Rivian to unlock unmapped roads (for automated, hands-off driving) for Gen2 vehicles later this year

[captainjp]

Check it out. Autonomous driving coming to UNMAPPED ROADS.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/rivian-unmapped-roads-gen2/

Rivian set to unlock unmapped roads for Gen2 vehicles

April 6, 2025

Rivian fans rejoice! Just a few weeks ago, Rivian rolled out automated, hands-off driving for its second-gen R1 vehicles with a game-changing software update. Yet, the new feature, which is only operational on mapped highways, had left many fans craving for more.

Now the company, which prides itself on listening to – and delivering on – what its customers want, didn’t wait long to signal a ‘map-free’ upgrade will be available later this year.

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[SSteveEV]

That's great, when are they hiring Gen 1 "interns" to map our typical commutes?

*Looks around for HR*

 

[risingphoenix]

For $1100 Gen 1 drivers can have this same functionality with Open Pilot. I would argue that Open Pilot's implementation is actually better than Rivian Gen 2 (at least at this time). Rivian really screwed the pooch with the Gen 1 drivers not delivering these pretty basic features as promised.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I would argue that Open Pilot's implementation is actually better than Rivian Gen 2 (at least at this time).

Gen2 can do lane changes without the driver needing to verify the lane is clear.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Looks like Rivian will be competing with Tesla? I expect Rivian to start charging for the RAP soon at the rate they are improving the system.

 

[risingphoenix]

Gen2 can do lane changes without the driver needing to verify the lane is clear.

This is correct. However, Open Pilot does not instantly disengage when you steer. And MADS is a game changer (uncoupling automated steering from throttle). So like I said, Open Pilot is better than Rivian Gen 2 at this time. In my opinion obviously. The most important benefit is that Open Pilot is very actively developed. Given the Gen 1 history, we'll see the pace of Rivian's Gen 2 development. I would not be interested in trading in my Gen 1 for a Gen 2 as I've already got a solution I'm happy with and I'm not eager to be burned by Rivian's ADAS promises a second time.

Edit: OpenPilot works on ANY road (including off road) RIGHT NOW.

 

[DayTripping]

This is correct. However, Open Pilot does not instantly disengage when you steer. And MADS is a game changer (uncoupling automated steering from throttle). So like I said, Open Pilot is better than Rivian Gen 2 at this time. In my opinion obviously. The most important benefit is that Open Pilot is very actively developed. Given the Gen 1 history, we'll see the pace of Rivian's Gen 2 development. I would not be interested in trading in my Gen 1 for a Gen 2 as I've already got a solution I'm happy with and I'm not eager to be burned by Rivian's ADAS promises a second time.

Edit: OpenPilot works on ANY road (including off road) RIGHT NOW.

You pretty much summed up all the reasons why I went with OpenPilot. Even more important since Rivian just dumped all the Gen 1 trucks with respect to ADAS. Can't say I am overly impressed with how they've handled this and TBH, it impacts whether I'll buy another Rivian.

I'll see how they do with Gen 2 truck over the next year or so. At least for now, with OpenPilot, and how well it works, I am good for quite some time with no real hurry to upgrade.

I also have to say, I don't mind that I need to check lanes to change them. It is easy and OpenPilot is very smooth when it does.

 

[CANCERDOC]

I get it that Gen1 will never get a "hands off" feature. But I don't see why they can't use the same camera lane tracking to offer "highway assist" for unmapped roads. Other vehicles can do it with cameras.

 

[Joules Burn]

And yet the "Adventure Vehicle" refuses to recognize government designated, unimproved roads for basic navigation.

 

[sacramentoelectric]

Gen2 can do lane changes without the driver needing to verify the lane is clear.

I helped one of the developers who’s working on the Rivian port of OpenPilot to capture signal data for the blind spot monitor. I think we’ll see that functionality in openpilot sooner than later.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I helped one of the developers who’s working on the Rivian port of OpenPilot to capture signal data for the blind spot monitor. I think we’ll see that functionality in openpilot sooner than later.

That seems like an incredibly overly simplistic view of what's happening in the lane you are moving into.

 

[captainjp]

That seems like an incredibly overly simplistic view of what's happening in the lane you are moving into.

Agreed. Radar alone doesn’t seem sufficient enough to grant permission for lane change. IMO of course

 

[CharonPDX]

The only thing that really annoys me about my Rivian Gen 1 is that its driver-assist is less than the non-BlueCruise "CoPilot Assist" system in my Mach-E. Even though both use the same MobileEye underlying hardware.

Mach-E CoPilot Assist does lane-centering on non-mapped roads just fine.
Mach-E does speed limit detection (not just for "setting on a highway", but changing speed on *ANY* road.
Mach-E has speed limit adjust ±10MPH.
Mach-E just added automatic slowing *before* a turn, rather than waiting to actually hit the turn itself before slowing. (It is a little too aggressive, often slowing from 45 to 25 well in advance of a turn that 35 would be zero problem on. I generally skip using this if there's anyone behind me.)

Using the same hardware as Rivian Gen 1. When Rivian was promising it would have the same capability as Ford's higher-end BlueCruise when launched.

 

[sacramentoelectric]

That seems like an incredibly overly simplistic view of what's happening in the lane you are moving into.

Maybe. I wouldn't know. But the guy working on it does and has ported Openpilot to many different vehicles that can manage checking the adjacent lanes. I guess we'll see.

 

[Marchin_MTB]

I get it that Gen1 will never get a "hands off" feature. But I don't see why they can't use the same camera lane tracking to offer "highway assist" for unmapped roads. Other vehicles can do it with cameras.

This is my question as well. I hope they will implement this in the future if it is possible with gen 1 hardware. Doesn’t need to be hands-free.

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