Rivian Launches 2025.46 Update with Universal HandsFree

Rivian has begun rolling out its most ambitious over-the-air software update yet, version 2025.46, to owners of second-generation R1 electric vehicles in the United States and Canada. The update, timed for the end of the year, introduces Universal HandsFree driving assistance, allowing drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel on more than 3.5 million miles of roads with visible lane markings, a vast expansion from the previous system's coverage of about 135,000 miles of highways.

The Universal HandsFree feature, first unveiled at Rivian's inaugural Autonomy AI Day last week, operates on both highways and surface streets but requires constant driver supervision. It maintains lane position and speed but does not stop or slow for traffic lights or stop signs, nor does it make turns or follow navigation routes. If a driver activates the turn signal to handle a maneuver manually, the system reengages once the action is complete. Rivian officials emphasized that the technology enhances convenience while keeping the driver responsible for all interventions.

Complementing this advancement are new Autonomy Drive Styles, which let users customize the system's behavior across...