OTA update comes with snow drive mode
Other bug fixes and feature updates included
Rivian has fixed a couple of glaring winter errors with its electric pickup and SUV with the latest over-the-air updates. The first is the addition of a drive mode just for snow. The second is the ability to turn on the heated seats and wheel from the app, while warm and cozy in your home.
With nine drive modes in the Rivian R1T pickup and Rivian R1S SUV, it seems odd that there wasn’t one for snow, but it’s the case. Now there are 10 modes and one of them is just for winter. The mode relaxes throttle response, making sure that the driver is able to dole out the 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque in a way that won’t break the tires loose instantly. Even quad-motor AWD and standard winter-rated tires can’t overcome the laws of physics.
Rivan is also changing how regeneration works in snow mode. It will default to a new “Low” regen mode. The goal of that is to make sure that the vehicle won’t try and regenerate with enough force to make the tires skid on snow, slush, or ice.
Before going outside, the Rivian mobile app will now let you fire up the seat heaters and heated wheel. Remote cabin preconditioning is new to the EV, though it’s common on most other electric vehicles. The system will also let you power on the defroster from the app, once the cabin climate control is enabled.
Rivian’s over-the-air update has plenty of other tricks and tweaks as well as some bug fixes. Tidal users will now have that audio app integrated into the system. Both the soft and firm suspension modes are modified to better perform their respective roles. For the full release notes, check the company’s blog post.
