Rivian Announces Additional Delay, Showcases Off-Road 'Sand Mode'

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

Rivian made a few noteworthy announcements this week involving updated deliveries for a few trims, delayed deliveries for a specific trim, and some new features. With Rivian having a difficult time getting production where it needs to be, this isn't a good thing for the electric startup, but some issues are to be expected as Rivian decided to sell two all-new vehicles in the midst of a semiconductor chip shortage.

Delays Are Inbound

First, the bad news. The Ocean Coast trim for both the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV has been delayed to later this fall. Electrek reports that some reservation holders received emails claiming that the light wood in the Ocean Coast trim is "more challenging to produce" and is therefore pushing deliveries of the trim back.

On the flip side, the same email said that Rivian will focus on building Launch Edition and Adventure Package electric vehicles with the Black Mountain and Forest Edge interior trims. Focusing on these trims is a way for Rivian to "move faster." As the automaker stated in the email, "building in few build combinations reduces complexity with our suppliers and in the plant and allows us to build a greater number of vehicles." This thought process will help Rivian get some much-needed vehicles to consumers quicker.

On a good note, Rivian has some new features in the pipeline. Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, tweeted about some new features that will arrive as standard equipment for both the R1T and R1S. The electric vehicles will receive a new Sand Mode that increases their ability to tackle loose surfaces, like sand. While Rivian didn't provide any more information on the new feature, Scaringe did share a video of a R1S traversing some large dunes.

More Features In The Works

In a separate tweet, Rivian's CEO replied to a Twitter user requesting a pet mode and dashcam. All the CEO stated was, "Definitely – also coming soon!" Details on these features are also light, but we expect Rivian to add them through an over-the-air software update. Pet Mode sounds pretty self-explanatory where owners can set the HVAC system to a certain temperature when an animal is left in the vehicle. Similarly, a dashcam could use one of the vehicles' many cameras to record the road ahead in the case of an accident.

Hearing that there's yet another delay for one of Rivian's EVs isn't good news for reservation holders or interested buyers, though new features should drum up some more excitement for the brand's electric vehicles.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods