Rivian rolls out 'Universal Hands-Free' driving for R1 EVs
Rivian just dropped a major update: its new "Universal Hands-Free" feature lets R1 drivers cruise hands-free on more than 3.5 million miles of roads across the US and Canada—as long as lane markings are clear.
This is a huge jump from their old system, which only worked on highways, and was announced at Rivian's recent Autonomy & AI Day.
What else should you know?
You'll still need to pay attention—this system can't spot traffic lights or make turns by itself (you'll have to use your turn signal).
The update also brings a digital key that works with most smartphones and fun extras like "Kick Turn" and "RAD Tuner."
Looking ahead, Rivian plans to debut its R2 SUV in 2026 with new hardware—including custom chips and roof-mounted lidar—designed to enable full autonomy in the future.