Earlier this year, CEO RJ Scaringe addressed the topic of autonomy at the San Francisco Rivian Space opening, revealing that Rivian plans to add hands-free highway driving this year. Yesterday, during its earnings call, Rivian shared even more information, saying that their hands-free feature arriving on Gen 2 vehicles in just a few weeks.
Autonomy Light
Rivian plans to leverage the light bar on their Gen 2 vehicles to show other drivers when the vehicle’s Autonomy Platform+ feature is enabled. This feature has been adopted by a few brands, including Mercedes-Benz in its Drive Pilot ADAS, and some Chinese brands as well.
Hands-Free 2025
While RJ revealed that Rivian will be launching a hands-free ADAS system this year in San Francisco, he has now added that it’s coming in the next several weeks. If you’ve used a recent version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised), the experience will likely feel familiar.
For those who haven’t, Rivian’s Autonomy Platform+ will enable hands-free highway driving, including automatic lane changes and exit maneuvers. However, drivers will likely need to take control upon reaching their exit—more on that later.
Similar to Tesla, while the driver is hands-free, attention to the road is required. Rivian’s Driver Monitoring System (DMS) ensures this by combining seat weight sensors with a camera embedded in the rearview mirror.
This is the video Rivian uses to demonstrate the Rivian Autonomy Platform+ (RAP+) capability called Enhanced Highway Assist. See the cars icon slide out up by the speed bubble? I wonder what they're trying to showcase here... pic.twitter.com/YZv3rjZtmH
The most interesting part of the announcement was that Rivian plans to launch an “eyes-off” system in 2026. That means that you won’t need to keep an eye on your vehicle as it navigates the highways - you’ll be able to take your eyes off the road, send some texts from your phone, and perhaps watch a movie or play a game on your center display.
The DMS will be disabled, and you’ll only be notified if you need to take over.
Highways or Streets?
Rivian has previously indicated that its autonomy efforts are focused on highways rather than the complexities of city streets. RJ Scaringe didn’t specify whether Rivian plans to expand beyond highway driving.
Highways are significantly easier to navigate than urban environments, so it’s reasonable to assume that the upcoming features and timelines will apply to Platform+ on highways—the only place Rivian originally intended for hands-free operation.
This means the system will handle driving from on-ramp to off-ramp, making long highway commutes and road trips far easier and more enjoyable.
Gen 2 Only
Unfortunately for early adopters, these improvements are exclusive to the Autonomy Platform+, which means that they won’t apply to any Gen 1 vehicles built before 2025.
Free Trial & Price
Rivian also shared that all Gen 2 owners will receive a free trial that includes these new features, hinting that they may soon start charging for their ADAS. Rivian has yet to announce pricing for their Autonomy Platform+ features, but to remain competitive we expect them to be similar to Tesla’s. Tesla currently costs $8,000 to buy FSD or $100 per month to subscribe to the service.
Liability
Liability is a major question when it comes to autonomy. While Rivian’s hands-free system will undoubtedly hold the driver responsible, the stakes change with an eyes-off system. Who assumes liability when the vehicle is fully autonomous? Will it be Rivian, or does responsibility still fall on the driver?
In Germany, Mercedes-Benz takes full liability when Drive Pilot is engaged within its strict operating conditions. As ADAS systems push closer to fully autonomous capabilities—Tesla’s FSD included—these questions become even more critical.
Regardless, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Rivian with the launch of the hands-off feature many drivers have been waiting for. We’re eager to see how it performs and what other innovations Rivian has in store.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Rivian news, upcoming features and software updates.
Every company has a logo—an emblem that instantly conveys its identity. These small yet powerful symbols often fade into the background, but they play a crucial role in branding.
Surprisingly, Rivian operated without a logo for a significant portion of its early years. When RJ Scaringe founded the company in 2009, there was no official emblem. It wasn’t until 2017 after Rivian acquired its manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, that the logo design process began. A year later, in 2018, Rivian’s now-iconic logo was unveiled to the public.
Rivian is built on the spirit of adventure, and its logo reflects that ethos. So grab your compass—and let’s explore the story behind the Rivian Compass.
The Compass
While some companies incorporate hidden meanings into their logos, Rivian’s design is more straightforward. Inspired by adventure, the Rivian logo features a distinctive squared-off compass, symbolizing the essence of adventure and exploration.
It represents the drive to go beyond the beaten path and forge new journeys where few have ventured. Just as the magnetic compass once revolutionized navigation, Rivian seeks to redefine how people explore today.
With its electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology, Rivian empowers people to experience the world sustainably and responsibly. By providing access to remote and wild places, Rivian inspires a deeper connection with nature and rekindles the thrill of adventure—something more essential than ever in today’s fast-paced world.
Breaking Down the Rivian Logo
Rivian’s logo features four arrows, each mirroring the many directions an adventure can take—north, south, east, west, and everywhere in between. It’s a visual commitment to exploration, reinforcing Rivian’s identity as the go-to EV brand for adventurers. With the R1S and R1T already among the best off-road vehicles available and the upcoming R2 and R3 promising to follow suit, that promise is well on its way.
According to Rivian, the outer north and south arrows symbolize their mission to make the world a better place through innovation and adventure, while the inner east and west arrows represent their goal to be both inspiring and inviting to everyone.
As Rivian puts it, a logo is more than just a design on a vehicle or a piece of swag—it’s a promise. A promise that no matter where your journey leads, Rivian will help point you in the right direction.
The Rivian Commercial Van has gone by several names, including the Rivian Commercial Vehicle (RCV) and the Rivian Electric Delivery Vehicle (EDV). Now, Rivian seems to have finalized its naming strategy, officially branding it as the Rivian Commercial Van.
But the name change isn’t the biggest news—Rivian has officially opened early fleet orders for the 2025 RCV in two variants: the 500 Series and 700 Series. On February 5th, 2025, Rivian began inviting interested buyers to configure their fleet orders via email.
What is the RCV?
The Rivian Commercial Vehicle is an all-electric van designed for efficiently transporting goods over short to medium distances—all while ensuring cargo and fleet safety, security, and a touch of style. Best of all, as a modern EV, the RCV helps fleet owners reduce maintenance and fuel costs, making it a smart and sustainable choice for commercial operations.
The Purpose
Rivian Wave
The RCVis a purpose-built last-mile delivery van designed for efficiency and versatility. It features an automatic rear bulkhead door and an easily accessible curbside door, allowing for seamless deliveries whether streetside or at a loading dock. This flexibility enables businesses to streamline operations, potentially eliminating the need for a last-mile warehouse to transfer goods from larger vehicles to smaller ones.
Rivian offers the RCV in two variants: the RCV 500 and the RCV 700. The 500 is optimized for navigating city streets and tight urban environments, while the 700 provides expanded cargo space for businesses that require more capacity without compromising maneuverability in standard delivery routes.
Specs and Details
As previously mentioned, there are two specs to the RCV - the 500 and 700. The tables below provide all the key information you’ll need to understand what is offered with each vehicle. All information provided below is in imperial measurements first, while metric measurements are in parentheses.
Spec
RCV 500
RCV 700
Length
248.5” (6,311mm)
278” (7,061mm)
Max Width
96.4” (2,449mm)
103.5” (2629mm)
Height
114.7” (2914mm)
114.8” (2917mm)
Wheelbase
157.5” (4000mm)
187” (4,750mm)
Ground Clearance
6.7” (171mm)
6.9” (175mm)
Turning Circle
46.9 ft (14.3m)
53.9 ft (16.4m)
Cargo Area - Volume
487 cu. ft. (13.8m3)
652 cu. ft. (18.5m3)
Cargo Area Width x Length
(Max)
76.5” x 137.3”
(1,943mm x 3487mm)
83.6” x 166.8”
(2,213mm x 4,237mm)
Cargo Area - Height
(Door Closed)
82.6” (2,097mm)
82.6” (2,097mm)
Closures
Rear Door (Roll-Up)
Curbside Door (Sliding
Hinged Driver Door
Powered Bulkhead Door
Rear Door (Roll-Up)
Curbside Door (Sliding
Hinged Driver Door
Powered Bulkhead Door
Charge Port Location (CCS)
Front-left corner
Front-left corner
Curb Weight
6,837lbs (3,101kg)
7,242lbs (3,285kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
9,500lbs (4,309kg)
9,500lbs (4,309kg)
Payload
2,663lbs (1,208kg)
2,258lbs (1,024kg)
Rivian is keeping things simple when it comes to drivetrain options for the RCV 500 and RCV 700—both models feature a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup delivering 320 horsepower and 299 lb-ft of torque for a smooth yet capable drive.
Range figures are solid for urban and regional deliveries. The RCV 500 is rated at 161 miles (259 km) of range, while the larger RCV 700 comes in just slightly lower at 160 miles (256 km). As with most EPA estimates, real-world conditions—such as stop-and-go city traffic—may reduce range by 5-10%, though the impact is minimal for the van’s intended use.
Both models are powered by a 100 kWh LFP battery pack, supporting DC fast charging at 100 kW and AC charging at 11 kW. While these speeds aren’t groundbreaking, they’re well-suited for fleet operations, where vehicles can charge overnight and be ready to roll the next workday.
Amazon Contract
The Amazon Prime RCV.
Rivian Wave
Rivian has been working closely with Amazon to develop purpose-built last-mile delivery vehicles, starting with the Rivian EDV. Amazon continues to deploy additional RCVs, a strong indicator that the vehicle has reduced operating costs when compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vans.
With RCV production ramping up, Rivian is now in a position to supply more commercial fleet customers beyond Amazon. This expansion allows Rivian to tap into a market traditionally dominated by legacy automakers like Ford and Dodge. As Rivian scales production, its commercial van business is shaping up to be a major and sustainable revenue stream.
HelloFresh Contract
coz_13 on reddit
Several RCVs have already been spotted in HelloFresh and Factor liveries, suggesting that Rivian and HelloFresh are collaborating to test the RCV for meal package deliveries.
The first sightings of these branded RCVs date back to late December 2024, with additional vehicles appearing across the U.S. in the weeks since. Interestingly, rather than featuring HelloFresh’s primary branding, many of the vans showcase the Factor and Chef’s Plate trademarks—both subsidiaries of HelloFresh—hinting at broader future deployments.
Camper Vans?
Rivian Wave
Rivian’s consumer lineup is all about adventure, and what better way to explore than in a fully electric camper van? Introducing the RCV Camper Van—a concept that could redefine off-grid travel.
While Rivian hasn’t yet announced single-vehicle sales of the RCV, we’re hoping that changes soon, giving customers the opportunity to build their dream electric adventure van.
Imagine a Rivian Adventure Van equipped with a built-in washroom, an electric kitchen, and all the essentials for extended off-grid living. Whether you’re setting out for a weekend getaway or a months-long road trip, an RCV Camper would be the ultimate fusion of sustainability, innovation, and adventure—perfectly aligning with Rivian’s brand.
Pricing & Options
The interior of the RCV, with Rivian's 2-screen layout.
Rivian Wave
Rivian has set the starting price for the RCV 500 at $79,900 and the RCV 700 at $83,900. However, the full list of available options and final pricing with additional features remains unclear. That said, the baseline models appear to be well-equipped.
It’s likely that Rivian will offer fleet-specific additions, such as interior shelving and custom fleet wraps, which could increase the cost. The company has confirmed that the interior shelving is removable, but it’s still uncertain whether this will be an optional add-on or a standard feature in every RCV.
ADAS Features
Rivian is equipping every RCV with Driver+ assistance features, including lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control for highways where Driver+ is available, along with Rivian’s full suite of safety features.
However, the company has not yet confirmed whether full Driver+ autonomy will be available on the RCV. That said, the vehicle’s camera and sensor setup appear similar to what’s found on the R1T and R1S, suggesting it may have the necessary hardware for advanced capabilities in the future.
Rivian's full ADAS feature set on the RCV is comparable to that on the R1T and R1S.
Rivian Wave
RCV 900?
The RCV 900 was previously mentioned during Rivian’s early development of its electric commercial van, but it hasn’t been seen or referenced in several years. While Rivian could revive the model, it seems unlikely at this stage.
If the RCV 900 were to return, it would likely feature a longer length and wheelbase, offering increased storage capacity but potentially less range.
For now, we don’t expect to see the RCV 900 make a comeback—but since it once existed on paper, there’s always a chance it could reemerge in the future.
Release Date
Rivian has announced that deliveries will begin in April for its early access fleet customers, with public orders opening soon after.
However, it’s unclear whether public orders will be limited to fleet buyers or if individual customers will also have the opportunity to purchase. The versatility of the RCV opens the door to countless creative uses—whether as a food truck, camper van, or even a mobile stargazing platform—and we’re sure enthusiasts are already dreaming up even more possibilities.
Given Rivian’s focus on commercial customers, we expect fleet orders to take priority, with individual orders rolling out gradually as production scales and supply chains stabilize.
Have a unique vision for the RCV? Share your ideas with us on social media.
![Rivian Matrix Headlights: What They Are and How to Tell If You Have Them [VIDEO]](https://www.rivianwave.com/img/paths/storage/r1t/r1t_headlight.jpg/d8b668a69ef1b4256f3bb09d419ee369/r1t_headlight.jpg)
