- Rivian is switching providers for its in-car navigation system.
- The adventure-oriented EVs are getting Google Maps navigation as part of a new software update.
- Drivers will get access to Google’s real-time traffic information and points of interest.
Rivian owners who thought the navigation system made questionable choices sometimes, rejoice: the automaker is bringing Google Maps navigation to its EVs via a new software update.
The California electric vehicle startup that makes the R1S SUV and R1T pickup announced the change today, which means the old MapBox-based system will soon be retired.
Using the Automotive software development kit (SDK) from Google Maps, Rivian has integrated the mapping giant’s routing system, real-time traffic information, satellite imagery and points of interest in the user interface that Rivian owners already know.
In other words, R1S and R1T drivers will now get up-to-date estimated arrival times, dynamic route changes that rely on Google Maps’ traffic information, real-time information about road disruptions, and tappable points of interest on the car’s screen.
It’s worth noting that Rivian used Google’s place search functionality in the previous iteration of the navigation system, too, but the big change now is that users can tap on the screen and open a dialog box that shows all the relevant information, such as opening hours, reviews and contact information.
All of this comes on top of Rivian’s well-known infotainment perks, such as range estimates on arrival powered by A Better Route Planner (which Rivian acquired in 2023), charging stops and preferences, real-time data for charging networks compatible with the R1S and R1T (including Tesla Superchargers), and Rivian’s signature charging score. For the latter, the company uses data from real charging sessions to come up with a reliability score for each site.
Gallery: Rivian EVs Get Google Maps Navigation
All of this is wrapped in a new design language for the in-car maps, which uses green for parks and deep blue for lakes and oceans. Rivian says the new style also improves glanceability and makes access to information easier.
The Rivian smartphone app gets all of these features, too, but you’ll need a Connect+ subscription to see the satellite view. Users can also share destinations and trips from the mobile app to the vehicle to make planning easier.
Previously, Rivian's navigation system relied on information from MapBox, which in turn uses crowdsourced street data from OpenStreetMap.
