Back in April Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe teased that a pet mode would be coming soon to their R1 vehicles. This week the automaker followed through and deployed ‘Pet Comfort’ through a free over-the-air (OTA) software update.
According to a support page set up for the new feature, Pet Comfort works just like Tesla’s Dog Mode, although based on the name and the images Rivian uses to showcase the feature, they expect you to use it for more than just your dog.
Owners simply have to press a small paw icon in the main climate screen before they exit the vehicle and their Rivian will maintain a temperature of between 68°F and 74°F, depending on how you set it up. If you don’t set a temperature, the cabin will kept at a comfortable 72°F while you’re gone.
Also just like Dog Mode, Rivian’s Gear Guard character pops up on the main display to let people walking by know that the A/C is on and there is no need to break the window to get your pet out of harms way.
Rivian says the feature only works if you have more than 50 miles (80km) of range remaining in your battery. They also remind you that it is only for pets, and to not leave you children unattended.
According to Scaringe, they have started sending out this software update to R1 owners this week, so if you haven’t received it yet, expect to see it arrive soon.
Unfortunately Canadians won’t be experiencing Pet Comfort any time soon. According to emails sent out to reservation holders yesterday, deliveries north of the border might not start until the second half of 2023.
