Full Breakdown
Rivian Rolls Out Ghostbusters-Themed Halloween Mode for Its EVs
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Rivian is releasing a limited-time “Halloween Mode” that overlays Ghostbusters-themed lights, sounds, games and visual Easter eggs onto its electric vehicles. The over-the-air update begins on October 9 and remains active until November 2, 2026. The feature is available for all current Rivian models and can be activated through the driver display or the Rivian mobile app.
Background & Context
Rivian has a history of seasonal “costumes” for its vehicles. This year the company partnered with Sony Pictures to bring the Ghostbusters franchise to its lineup, echoing the 1984 film’s Ecto-1 ambulance. The collaboration includes a digital experience and a handful of specially built physical vehicles.
Features of Halloween Mode
- Interior experience: Ghostbusters-styled menus with lime-green dark-mode text, custom lock sounds and hidden characters such as Ghost Guard and Slimer that trigger animations and sound effects.
- Mini-Puft game: A “Mallow Mash” minigame on the center screen challenges occupants to swat marshmallow-like Mini-Pufts while the vehicle is parked.
- Exterior light shows: Sequences labeled “Ecto-1,” “Proton Pack,” “Slimer,” “Ghost Trap,” or “Peter Venkman,” each paired with matching soundscapes; some activate automatically when motion is detected.
- Trick-or-Treat Mode: Plays the Ghostbusters theme song and synchronizes lighting on front- and rear-infotainment screens.
- Voice assistant: Adopts an eerie tone, delivering clues, narrating light shows and prompting users to “hunt some ghosts.”
Special-Edition Ecto-R1 Vehicles
Rivian’s Special Projects team built a limited number of R1S SUVs styled as the film’s Ecto-1. These models feature:
- 22-inch white-and-silver Aero wheels with a chrome-like finish.
- A custom roof rack equipped with sirens, spotlights, a radar dish and side tanks that mirror the movie car’s accessories.
- Red graphics and a “No-Ghost” logo on the hood and doors.
The Ecto-R1s will be displayed at Rivian retail locations and at events such as the NYC Village Halloween Parade.
Timeline of Rollout and Events
- October 9, 2026: OTA update begins, enabling Halloween Mode on all Rivian vehicles.
- October 9 – November 2, 2026: Mode remains active; users can toggle features via the vehicle or app.
- Throughout the period: Pop-up displays are planned at Rivian retail spaces in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami, San Francisco and New York City.
- November 2, 2026: Halloween Mode is deactivated and the Ghostbusters overlay is removed.
Official Statements & Responses
The company highlighted the partnership with Sony Pictures as a way to “celebrate spooky season” and engage fans of the franchise.
On-the-Ground Reports
Retail locations in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, Laguna Beach, Austin, San Francisco and Miami have set up themed displays featuring the Ecto-R1 and interactive demo stations. The NYC Village Halloween Parade will showcase the special-edition R1S, allowing parade-goers to experience the Ghostbusters lighting and sound effects publicly.
Data & Statistics
- Update window: October 9 – November 2, 2026.
- Software versions required: R2 2026.36.40; R1 2026.36.0.
- Physical modifications on Ecto-R1: 22-inch Aero wheels, custom roof rack with sirens, spotlights, radar dish and side tanks; “No-Ghost” logo on hood and doors.
The Halloween Mode offers Rivian owners a fully digital, franchise-themed experience for three weeks, complemented by a small fleet of physically altered Ecto-1-inspired vehicles displayed at key U.S. locations.