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Rivian Rolls Out AI Assistant via OTA, $15/Month Plan

5/13/2026

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Summary

Rivian Unveils AI

On May 12, 2026, Rivian rolled out Rivian Assistant AI to R1T, R1S and upcoming R2 vehicles via OTA.
The assistant activates when the driver holds the left steering-wheel button or says “Hey Rivian.”
It controls drive mode, climate, ride height, front trunk, camera view and range-on-arrival estimates, unlike Tesla’s Grok.
A $15-per-month Rivian Connect Plus plan powers the assistant and links it to Google Calendar.

Summary

Rivian Launches Assistant

Rivian is omitting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and launching its own texting via Rivian Assistant.
The assistant relies on the Connect+ cellular data link, so most processing runs in the cloud.
Rivian says the system can answer internet queries like song release dates, with only Google Calendar integrated at launch.
By keeping the assistant internal, Rivian aims to differentiate its EVs from rivals that rely on external smartphone mirroring.

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Rivian Unveils AI

On May 12, 2026, Rivian rolled out Rivian Assistant AI to R1T, R1S and upcoming R2 vehicles via OTA.
The assistant activates when the driver holds the left steering-wheel button or says “Hey Rivian.”
It controls drive mode, climate, ride height, front trunk, camera view and range-on-arrival estimates, unlike Tesla’s Grok.
A $15-per-month Rivian Connect Plus plan powers the assistant and links it to Google Calendar.

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