Rivian is rolling out a software update to R1 owners new and old, including a new ‘Launch Mode’
Rivian has just started rolling out a robust software update that improves several features in both generations of its flagship R1S and R1T BEVs. Updates vary by model, but there are some pretty extensive improvements to the Rivian ownership experience, including the opportunity to show off that tri-motor acceleration with a new “Launch Mode” feature.
It’s been a few years since relatively young American automaker Rivian began deliveries of its two first BEV models – the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. As we await the arrival of Rivian’s exciting new R2 and R3 models in development, much of our focus remains on those flagship models and there’s still plenty to talk about.
As software-defined vehicles, one of the perks of owning an EV like a Rivian is its ability to constantly be updated over-the-air (OTA). This has become commonplace for OEMs selling EVs, but not all updates are created equal.
With a focus on continuous improvement, Rivian has rolled out several previous software updates that have delivered impressive new capabilities. For example, the automaker introduced ‘Kneel Mode’ in October 2022, lowering the EV’s height to enable easier entry and exit for pets and the elderly.
Rivian also introduced a “Camp Mode” feature in which an R1T or R1S automatically levels itself for flat, comfortable sleeping and reprogrammed its vehicles’ exterior mirrors to dimly light your campsite.
Other updates have included savable dash cam footage, improved towing performance, and real-time range estimates. Rivian is at it again with another large software update than improves the capabilities of all of its current R1T and R1S models.
Highlights of Rivian software update 2024.31
As you’ll see from the links below, this is one of the more significant software updates Rivian has rolled out, and upgrade details pertain to each individual model, including first and second-generation R1 EVs. For the sake of time, we’ve highlighted some of the critical updates below, but if you want to view everything in its entirety, you can do so here:
- Rivian Software Update 2024.31
Let’s start with the Gen 1 Rivian models. Software update 2024.31 allows you to customize the color theme of the Rivian vehicle’s accent lights, and more options are now available. Simply select a theme to hear its corresponding audio, which you can also mute if you’d like.
The latest software update for the Gen 2 Rivian models introduces a new “Launch Mode” feature. This mode was designed for 2025 tri-motor versions of the R1T and R1S and, according to Rivian, is “designed for use on a closed circuit track with dry road conditions.” We’ll see about that.
Anyway, Gen 2 R1 owners who get the latest Rivian software update will be able to go into “Sport” in the Drive Modes section of the display screen and can now select “Launch Mode.” This mode delivers maximum acceleration and “an increased top speed” to impress your friends and any EV haters with your best 0-60 mph or quarter-mile time. Have fun, kids.
In addition to these features, Rivian’s latest software update includes upgrades to a slew of features for both generations of its R1 models. Here are a few interesting ones:
- Increased accuracy of traffic data and improve route color coding.
- The cabin’s fan speed now has three different options while the climate system is in Auto Mode. Even if you change fan speed, the climate system will now remain in Auto.
- The cabin temperature limit for Pet Mode has been lowered to 63℉, controllable from the center display or the Rivian app.
- Improved battery performance during aggressive driving at high exterior temperatures.
- While not in park, you can now use your phone’s hot-spot for internet connectivity.
- Improved reliablity of the Gear Guard app.
- More efficiency when using defrost or defog modes on the windshield.
- Improved accuracy of the estimated remaining charge time for an Active Climate Schedule.
- Improved smoothness of re-engaging Highway Assist after a lane change.
- Stability improvements to the backup camera view.
- Estimated charging costs now appear on the center and driver displays when you begin a session.
As we mentioned before, Rivian’s 2024.31 software update contains plenty more to unpack, so we recommend checking out the dedicated page for each model linked above. We’re working to get into one of the 2025 Rivians soon and will test out the new features and some of their accessories. Stay tuned.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
BYD’s cheapest EV in China just got even more affordable. After cutting prices this month, the BYD Seagull EV starts at just 56,800 yuan, or under $8,000.
BYD cuts Seagull EV price to under $8,000 in April
Despite an intensifying EV price war in China, BYD is cutting prices once again. The Chinese EV giant announced a new promotion this month across several Ocean Series models, including the Seagull.
The 2025 BYD Seagull EV is available starting at just 56,800 yuan ($7,800). The offer is for the non-Smart Driving Vitality Edition model, which usually starts at 69,800 yuan ($9,500).
After launching the new Seagull last year, BYD said the low-cost electric car officially opened “a new era of electricity being lower than oil.” Earlier this year, it upgraded most of its vehicles, including the Seagull, with its new “God’s Eye” smart driving system at no extra charge.
BYD’s Seagull is offered in three trims in China: Vitality, Freedom, and Flying. It has two battery options, 30.1 kWh or 38.9 kWh, which is good for the 305 km (190 mi) and 405 km (252 mi) CLTC range, respectively.
At just 3,780 mm long, 1,715 mm wide, and 1,540 mm tall, the Seagull is even smaller than the former Chevy Bolt EV (4,145 mm long, 1,765 mm wide, and 1,611 mm tall). It’s about the size of a Fiat 500e.
The price cut comes as BYD’s sales continue surging. With another 377,420 new energy vehicles (EVs and PHEVs) sold last month, the Chinese automaker has now sold over one million NEVs in 2025.
BYD’s EVs accounted for 416,388 while PHEV sales reached 569,710, an increase of 39% and 76% from last year, respectively.
| BYD Seagull EV trim | Starting Price | Range (CLTC) |
| Vitality | Normal: $9,500 (69,800 yuan) Now: $8,000 (56,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Freedom | $10,300 (75,800 yuan) | 190 mi (305 km) |
| Flying | $11,700 (85,800 yuan) | 252 mi (405 km) |
Perhaps even more importantly, BYD sold over 206,000 vehicles overseas in 2025, more than doubling from last year. The Seagull EV is also sold in other global markets like Mexico and Brazil as the Dolphin Mini.
Later this year, it will launch in Europe as the Dolphin Surf, with expected prices starting under £20,000 ($26,000). Although it may not be the cheapest EV, BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, recently told Autocar it will be “the best value” when it arrives.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Tesla has new Model Y inventory available today in the US, just days after opening orders for what is supposed to be its most popular model.
This proves that demand is terrible and Tesla is trying to hide it.
On Friday, Tesla launched the new non-Launch Edition Model Y in North America.
Prior to the launch, only a fully loaded $60,000 Launch Edition Model Y was available to order since January, and had been delivered since early March.
Now, North American buyers are able to buy a much cheaper version of the new Model Y for $49,000.
Only the Model Y Long Range AWD is available for now, but that’s Tesla’s most popular model in North America.
At the time, we noted that this is a great demand test for Tesla in the US amid some critical brand issues due to CEO Elon Musk.
We only have a few metrics to track the demand of the new Model Y in the US:
- Delivery timelines on new orders
- Available inventory
- Discounts/incentives
For most US zip codes tested by Electrek with different Model Y configurations (wheels and paint colors), Tesla quotes delivery within “1-3 weeks”.
But we also found several zip codes on both the West Coast and the East Coast where Tesla claims it can deliver the new vehicle “today”:
This would point to Tesla already having vehicles in inventory despite launching it just 4 days ago.
But Tesla is hiding the inventory.
If you search for Model Y in Tesla’s new inventory, you can’t find any in the US at the time of writing:
However, Tesla is showing some units in inventory to people configuring new Model Ys.
Some potential buyers are reporting that Tesla has a tab that pops up and directs them to some new inventory available (via TroyTeslike on Patreon):
This confirms that Tesla already has new non-Launch Edition Model Y in inventory available for sale in the US – pointing to Tesla having no backlog of demand for the new vehicle.
Electrek’s Take
This is much worse than I thought. I thought that Tesla would build a backlog of demand for the new Model Y in the US from people who didn’t want the fully loaded version, but it looks like that backlog lasted 4 days.
Of course, it’s all because of Tesla and Elon, and brand destruction.
Many people who invested in the stock market lost a lot of money over the last few weeks, and these people often happen to be people who buy new cars.
Now, the only thing left is for Tesla to start offering discounts and subsidies financing – the latter likely coming first, as it is already the case with new Model 3 orders in the US.
The good news for Tesla is that if Trump continues to crash the stock market, the Fed will likely have to reduce rates, making Tesla’s 0% financing cheaper to subsidize.
That’s a fun balancing act.
Either way, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tesla offer incentives on the new Model Y in the US within the next 2 weeks – way ahead of schedule.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
The new and improved 2026 Kia EV9 and 2025 EV6 are eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, but one trim is excluded.
Do the Kia EV6 and EV9 qualify for the federal tax credit?
Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6, received some pretty major upgrades for its mid-cycle update this year.
The 2025 EV6 features a bigger battery providing more range (now up to 319 miles), a stylish interior and exterior redesign, and an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
Kia’s first three-row electric SUV, the EV9, also has a native NACS charging port and will be the first model year to offer a high-performance GT trim.
We got a good look at the EV9 GT at the LA Auto Show last year (check it out here). The sporty electric SUV boasts 501 hp, which is quite a bit more than the current GT-Line’s 379 hp. The added power is enough for the big-body SUV to move from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds.
Although Kia America’s vice president of sales, Eric Watson, confirmed the EV6 and EV9 are now in “full-scale production” at its plant in West Point, Georgia, not all trims will qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit.
According to CarsDirect, Kia told dealers that the 2025 EV6 and 2026 EV9 GT trims wouldn’t be eligible for the credit. A spokesperson said the exclusion is because Kia builds the EV6 GT and EV9 GT in South Korea, while all other trims are assembled in Georgia.
If Trump’s 25% tariff on South Korea is still in effect when the GT models launch in the US, it could create a significant price gap between trims.
Despite this, you will likely still be able to take advantage of the credit through leasing. Kia, like many, is passing the $7,500 on through lease cash, which can significantly cut monthly payments.
Kia will reveal more info, including prices, closer to launch. Check back soon. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
With the new models arriving soon, Kia is offering clearance pricing on outgoing models. Monthly leases start as low as $179. You can use our links below to find deals on the Kia EV6 and EV9 near you.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway