Rivian is extending free access to its Autonomy+ driver assistance software once again, the third time the automaker has given owners additional time to try their hands-free driving features before they become a paid offering.
According to an email sent to customers this week, all new Rivian R1S and R1T vehicles now come with a 60-day trial of Autonomy+, with full access available through April 4. The extension also applies to existing owners, unlocking the full suite of Autonomy+ features, including Rivian’s recently introduced Universal Hands-Free system.
Universal Hands-Free, first announced in December, allows drivers to operate their vehicle without touching the steering wheel, but only on compatible roads and provided lane markings are clearly visible. Rivian says the system can be used across roughly 3.5 million miles of marked roads in Canada and the U.S., both on highways and certain non-highway routes.
Rivian has been careful to outline the system’s limitations. The company warns that Universal Hands-Free “will not stop or slow down for traffic lights or stop signs,” and drivers are required to remain attentive and ready to intervene at all times.
Alongside Universal Hands-Free, the paid Autonomy+ bundle includes Highway Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Change on Command. These features are currently available only on Gen 2 Rivian vehicles, while first-generation models remain limited to the company’s earlier Driver+ system.
Once the trial period ends, Rivian plans to offer Autonomy+ for US$49.99 per month or as a one-time purchase priced at US$2,500. The one-time purchase is tied to the vehicle’s VIN rather than the owner, meaning the software stays with the vehicle if it’s sold. Rivian has also confirmed that customers can use Rivian Reward points to offset some or all of the one-time fee. (via RivianTrackr)
Rivian has greater ambitions for their autonomy platform. CEO RJ Scaringe has said the company plans to introduce point-to-point driving for second-generation vehicles in 2026, with eventual Level 4 “eyes-off” capability.
