EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RIVIAN'S VP OF SOFTWARE DISCUSSES THE BRAND'S SOFTWARE ADVANTAGE

EV Channels Review

This interview with Rivian's VP of Software Operations, Wassym Bensaid, highlights the company's strategic advantage in developing its software stack in-house. The discussion centers on recent over-the-air (OTA) updates, particularly the 2023.34.0 update, which significantly improved the R1S's ride quality, addressing a key criticism of harshness. Bensaid explains this was achieved through a deep, first-principles re-architecture of the suspension control algorithm, a process they are patenting. The conversation also touches upon the expanding capabilities of software in vehicles, moving beyond infotainment to control core driving dynamics, energy management, and autonomy. The latest update, 2023.38.63, introduces a more informative driver display with battery and individual motor temperatures, and further reduces vampire drain by over 35%. Rivian's commitment to in-house development is presented as crucial for agility and innovation, allowing them to iterate rapidly and avoid the delays associated with traditional supplier models. The company also confirms that their hardware is designed with significant headroom for future software and hardware enhancements, with a goal of monthly OTA updates.