RIVIAN DRIVER+ I-270 CHALLENGE

EV Channels Review

This video provides a comprehensive review of Rivian's Driver+ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), comparing it to Tesla's offerings. The reviewer finds Driver+ to be a good system, though not as advanced as Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving, comparing it more favorably to basic Autopilot. Key strengths include its comfortable follow distance (approximately three car lengths at the closest setting) and effective use of regenerative braking during deceleration. However, the system struggles significantly with merging traffic in the right lane, often requiring manual disengagement and exhibiting abrupt braking. While the system shows improvement with software updates, particularly in handling lane changes and curves, it can still ping-pong between lane lines and get too close to the center line in curves, sometimes causing discomfort. The reviewer notes that the system performs better with the sun at its back rather than in front, suggesting sensitivity to lighting conditions. A significant concern raised is Rivian's removal of the driver monitoring camera, which impacts attentiveness monitoring and the ability to use cabin-view security features akin to Tesla's Sentry Mode. The reviewer concludes that Driver+ is best utilized in the middle or left lanes, avoiding the right lane due to merging traffic challenges.