Rivian’s upcoming R2 electric SUV has sparked debate among potential buyers over whether to wait for lidar-equipped models or purchase early units. The company has clarified its plans, addressing concerns about autonomy features and future upgrades. Here’s what Rivian’s leadership says about the lidar rollout and what it means for early adopters.
Early Rivian R2 Models Will Not Include Lidar
Rivian has confirmed that the initial production units of the R2 will not feature lidar sensors. This decision has led to discussions among EV enthusiasts, especially those who have experienced rapid hardware changes in other brands and worry about missing out on future technology.
The early R2 Performance with Launch Package will be delivered without lidar, and Rivian has stated there are no plans to retrofit lidar sensors to these vehicles at a later date.
What Rivian Says About Autonomy and Lidar
Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, and James Philbin, SVP of Autonomy and AI, addressed these concerns during a recent Reddit AMA. According to Philbin, both Gen 2 and Gen 3 platform vehicles will offer similar levels of autonomous driving capability at both the base and Autonomy+ levels for the next several years.
Lidar-equipped R2 vehicles will support Rivian’s Large Driving Model (LDM) by providing richer data, which benefits the entire fleet. However, the core feature set for autonomy—including Autonomy+—will remain the same for both lidar and non-lidar models in the near term. Over time, lidar-equipped vehicles are expected to require less driver supervision, offering greater eyes-off support.
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
For buyers who frequently upgrade to the latest technology, Rivian’s statements suggest that purchasing an early R2 without lidar will not result in a noticeable difference in autonomy features for several years. The company’s roadmap includes point-to-point hands-free assisted driving on early R2 Performance models, even without lidar.
Those who plan to keep their vehicle for a long time may eventually see a gap in capabilities as lidar-based features evolve. However, Rivian has been transparent that any significant differences between lidar and non-lidar autonomy stacks will only become apparent after several years.
Why this matters
The decision to buy early or wait for lidar-equipped Rivian R2 models highlights a common dilemma for EV buyers: balancing the desire for the latest hardware with the practicality of current offerings. Rivian’s approach suggests that early adopters will not be left behind in terms of core autonomy features for the foreseeable future.
This guidance provides reassurance for those considering the R2, especially as the company confirms no retrofit options for lidar. Buyers can make informed decisions based on their own priorities—whether that’s being among the first to own the R2 or waiting for incremental hardware improvements.
Key Specs
- Lidar Availability: Not included on early R2 units; no retrofit planned
- Autonomy Features: Similar for lidar and non-lidar models for several years
- Platform Compatibility: Gen 2 and Gen 3 platforms share autonomy technology
- Point-to-Point Hands-Free Driving: Available on early R2 Performance with Launch Package
Source
Images sourced from: arenaev.com, electrek.co, google.com
