Rivian announces new AI tech, chip and robotaxi ambitions

Rivian Unveils Autonomous Vehicle Technology at “Autonomy and AI Day” Event

Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, recently held its first “Autonomy and AI Day” in Palo Alto, California, where it showcased its new autonomous vehicle technology. The event, which took place on December 11, 2025, highlighted the company’s plans to launch self-driving electric vehicles in the near future. Rivian’s shares declined 6.1% following the event, despite the company’s exciting announcements.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe and other executives revealed that the company has developed a custom chip, car computer, and new artificial intelligence models that will enable it to bring autonomous features to its forthcoming vehicles. The company also announced plans to roll out an Autonomy+ subscription, which will offer “continuously expanding capabilities” to customers of its second-generation vehicles in early 2026. The Autonomy+ subscription will be priced at $2,500 as a one-time purchase or $49.99 per month.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology and Competitors

Rivian’s autonomous vehicle technology will utilize lidar and radar sensors to enable “level 4” or fully automated driving, as defined by SAE Levels of Driving Automation. This means that a passenger can sleep in the back seat while the vehicle carries them to their destination in normal traffic and weather conditions. Rivian’s competitor, Tesla, offers its premium FSD (Supervised) option for $8,000 upfront or a $99 per month fee. However, Tesla’s system does not use lidar sensors, instead relying on cameras and radar.

Other companies, such as General Motors, Honda, Lucid, and Nissan, are also working on their own autonomous vehicle technologies. Some, like Lucid, have partnered with venture-backed autonomous vehicle tech startups to develop their systems. Rivian’s approach, however, is unique in that it is developing its own in-house chip, which will launch in 2026 and boasts a bandwidth of 205 gigabytes per second.

Rivian’s Autonomous Vehicle Aspirations and Future Plans

Rivian’s autonomous vehicle aspirations are separate from the technologies it has agreed to share and further develop through a $5.8 billion joint venture deal with Volkswagen. The company is under pressure to prove its future growth potential to investors and grow its customer base amid slowing sales of battery electric vehicles in the US and competition from Chinese EV makers internationally.

Despite the challenges, Rivian remains committed to its autonomous vehicle goals. The company’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, stated that the new technology will enable Rivian to pursue opportunities in the rideshare space and reduce driver fatigue on long drives. Rivian’s autonomous vehicle technology is expected to improve over time through reinforced learning, with the company planning to launch a near-future software update that includes a “Universal Hands-Free” capability.

Rivian’s stock has experienced significant fluctuations since its initial public offering in 2021, but the company remains optimistic about its future growth potential. With its new autonomous vehicle technology and plans for expansion into the rideshare space, Rivian is poised to become a major player in the electric vehicle market.