Rivian rolls out latest software update and teases a ‘Knight Rider’ mode for Halloween
American EV automaker Rivian is currently rolling out its latest software update (2024.35), which includes several new features to keep drivers, passengers, and gear safe. Additionally, Rivian posted a video teasing a new Knight Rider-inspired front lighting theme just in time for Halloween.
It’s less than a month since Rivian rolled out its last big software update, but while the previous version focused on speed and a new “Launch Mode,” the automaker’s latest upgrade is focused on safety.
Update 2024.35 is rolling out to all generations of Rivian’s flagship R1T and R1S EVs and includes some exciting new upgrades. For starters, Rivian has introduced a live Gear Guard Cam to an exterior security system that already includes high-resolution cameras embedded around the vehicle and physical cables that secure gear.
Following the latest update, Rivian owners can now tune in live to their Gear Guard cameras directly from the Rivian app from anywhere (Connect+ subscription required). This can come in handy after an R1T or R1S owner receives an alarm notification, so they can quickly access the cameras and see what’s happening.
Rivian also shared that it heard its customers loud and clear and has updated its adaptive beam driving technology, building upon Adaptive High Beams launched in its Gen-2 models (2025) last month, which automatically adjust a Rivian EV’s brights based on what its senses around it. The new feature can now create a stable diffusion of light from the car’s headlights regardless of the EV’s position, enabling drivers to see straight ahead in the dark, even on bumpy terrain.
Other Rivian updates and incoming Knight Rider lights
Rivian’s 2024.35 software update also includes a bolstered climate zone feature. Until now, Rivian’s R1 models have featured two distinct HVAC climate zones for the driver and front passenger.
With the latest update, however, Rivian has introduced a third climate zone in the second- and third-row passenger seats, expanding personalized comfort to all passengers in the vehicle. Additionally, rear passengers can view and adjust their temperature settings from the rear display in the second row.
Lastly, Rivian’s latest software update includes new display animations to help its drivers visualize the changes to their ride height, brake regeneration, stability, and ride feel settings in various drive modes more easily.
Once you download the latest OTA update, you will notice that every time you update one of the settings above, a new animation shows will show helpful visual information about the change and how it affects your vehicle.
On a more fun side of Rivian updates, the automaker recently began teasing a new headlamp feature coming in October that pays homage to Knight Rider and turns your pickup or SUV into an all-electric version of K.I.T.T. from the series.
Rivian posted the following video to social media this week, which teases the fun lightning feature and offers a brief cameo from the original Knight Rider himself, David Hasselhoff:
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This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes a visit to electric moped maker NIU’s factory, Tern’s new GSD e-bike, Rad Power Bikes getting a new CEO, a Segway scooter recall, X Games kicking out electric motorcycles, and more.
The Wheel-E podcast returns every two weeks on Electrek’s YouTube channel, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.
As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.
After the show ends, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:
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We also have a Patreon if you want to help us to avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.
Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the Wheel-E podcast today:
Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 8:00 a.m. ET (or the video after 9:00 a.m. ET):
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The Trump Administration just slapped huge tariffs on imported cars, causing many car buyers to accelerate their purchase plans and snap up a new car now, rather than wait. If that’s you, and you’re one of the thousands looking to distance yourself from Tesla, the time is now to check out this $20,000 Tesla conquest deal from Polestar.
It might seem hard to believe now, but once upon a time there were a bunch of otherwise sane, intelligent people who believed that there was “infinite demand” for Tesla’s cars. That’s not true anymore – it’s an objective fact that the two million reservations for Tesla Cybertruck haven’t turned into sales, and the rest of the brand’s cars are losing value three times faster than the rest of the new car market, making them tough to sell or trade in.
That’s where incentives come in – and, while a number of car brands are offering several thousands of dollars to EV buyers looking to make the switch, this $20,000 Tesla conquest deal from Polestar might be the one that’s most aggressively targeting Tesla buyers.
From the Polestar website:
Calling all Tesla owners. Enjoy up to $20,000 towards the lease of a new Polestar 3 when you combine the $5,000 Polestar Conquest Bonus and the $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive.
Polestar 3 is the SUV that drives like a sports car. Featuring range up to 350 miles, 517 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and built-in technologies like Google Assistant and Apple CarPlay.
Polestar hasn’t been shy about what it views as an “opportunity” to snatch up car buyers who want to distance themselves from Musk. The company’s CEO, German auto industry stalwart Michael Lohscheller, told Bloomberg, “For Germany, somebody outside of Germany endorsing right-wing political parties is a big thing. You want to know what I think about it? I think it’s totally unacceptable. Totally unacceptable. You just don’t do that. This is pure arrogance, and these things will not work.”
He’s hoping enough people agree to move the needle on Polestar sales in the US – and the first step to that is for consumers to get behind the wheel of this “masterfully tuned and sneaky-fast SUV,” and see if it’s a fit for them.
Electrek’s Take
I spent half the day in a local Volvo dealership I’ve had a great relationship with for years. I know those guys well. They typically average about 2-3 units per day.
Yesterday? I arrived around 1:30PM with a sack of spicy chicken sandwiches (if you want good customer service, be a good customer), and they’d already moved a half dozen units by the time I got there. They were looking at another dozen fresh leads from panicked city-dwellers looking to come in and make a deal over the weekend.
It’s about to get weird out there, kids. You could do far worse than trying to navigate said weirdness in a new Polestar.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Polestar.
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