Rivian’s latest update lets you record and save drive cam footage, including any ‘incidents’
We are about to see a lot more footage of Rivian EVs getting disrespected by ignorant haters. The American automaker has rolled out a new over-the-air software update that allows additional functions to the Gear Guard App, including 360-degree “Drive Cam” and “Incidents,” which enable Rivian owners to record and save footage of their journeys.
With its two flagship EV models growing in numbers on US roads, Rivian has continued to evolve its technology and offer new features to existing owners using over-the-air (OTA) software updates. In the past, we’ve seen fun features, like the addition of “Camp Mode” for comfort outdoors and “Kneel Mode” to support entry and exit for smaller or disabled passengers and their pets.
Other OTA updates have included range increases, and thanks to recent comments from Rivian head of software, Wassym Bensaid, we’ve learned that customers can expect to see a “big” towing update this summer. At that same time, Bensaid shared that Rivian was working on expanding features in its Gear Guard app, including a new Drive Cam function that would allow recorded footage.
Today, Rivian has rolled out the OTA update that does, in fact, include the ability to record and save drive footage alongside a bunch of other new features.
As explained in a recent blog post by Rivian, its Gear Guard App sees two new functions as part of its latest software update. “Drive Cam” and “Incidents” now join “Motion Cam” and “Alarm Function” as additional security measures to keep you and your EV safe from damage… or, at the very least, liability.
The previous camera functions allowed for coverage of the EV when it was parked, but the new Drive Cam feature allows Rivian owners to now record drive footage and save it to a USB-C storage device. When Drive Cam is enabled and something catches your eye during a given trip, you can now tap the “Save Clip” button on your center display, and Gear Guard will create a video clip of the previous two minutes.
Afterward, you can watch your clips directly from your EV or download them to an external drive. Rivian explained that this feature was designed as more of a nostalgia feature to recall details of a specific drive, like off-road adventures or road trips through stunning landscapes.
For not-so-fun trips, Rivian has introduced an “Incidents” feature that enables automatic drive footage recording to ensure any collisions or other unfortunate circumstances are captured and saved. Per Rivian:
When Incidents is on, Gear Guard cameras continuously record video, but no footage is saved. Incidents constantly monitors vehicle dynamics to identify incidents, and if one occurs, saves video of the event. For example, if you are cut off in traffic and have to slam on the brakes, this near-impact scenario would trigger the anti-lock braking system and, in turn, activate Incidents. The fifteen seconds of video that was recorded prior to the event would be saved, and Incidents would also save video of the following 1 minute 45 seconds. These Incidents videos are saved directly to your R1T or R1S internal hard drive; no USB-C drive is necessary.
In addition to the new drive camera footage features, Rivian has also introduced the following in its latest OTA update:
- Live Chat: Rivian Support advisers are now available through Live Chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the Rivian mobile app, version 1.13 or later.
- Charge Limit Slider: Set a custom charging value between 50 and 100%.
- Charge Scheduling: You can now modify a charging schedule and what specific amperage to use during a scheduled charging session directly from the mobile app.
- Driver+ Improvements: Driver+ cameras continue operating under a wider range of conditions, even when there are smudges or splashes on the windshield or glares on the camera.
- Name your vehicle: From your center console, go to “Settings,” tap “About,” then “Edit.” From your mobile app’s vehicle tab, pull up the dashboard and scroll to “Vehicle Information,” then press “Edit.” You can choose a name up to 32 characters and can use emoji.
- Service Mode: The Service Center may activate this mode to block actions from the mobile app that may interfere while service technicians are working on your vehicle.
The OTA update with drive footage recording is rolling out to Rivian R1T and R1S EVs now.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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