Rivian is actively expanding its service network ahead of the sales start of the new R2 electric vehicle, scheduled for next month. This is necessary to serve the wave of new customers expected due to the affordable model priced around $45,000.
Service Expansion Plans
The manufacturer announced plans to open dozens of new service centers. Although exact figures are not specified, the company stated that by the end of next year, it plans to open over 50 new facilities. This will allow the total number of service centers to exceed 150.
Rivian did not specify exact locations but confirmed that in regions with high popularity of its vehicles, “several locations and larger sites” with increased capacity will appear. For remote areas, the company will focus on developing mobile service.
Mobile Service Development and Staff Training
The company plans to increase its fleet of mobile service vans by 50% this year. As noted, this is the format preferred by customers. Rivian is also working on improving onboard tools and technician training to perform more operations remotely, including routine maintenance such as tire changes.
Over the past year, the company has hired and trained over 1,000 service specialists, and this practice will continue. Thanks to these efforts, the reported wait time for service has been reduced by 35%.
Software Updates
Separately, Rivian announced a series of software updates. Among them is a new Apple Watch app that allows users to lock and unlock doors, vent windows, and adjust the climate control system.
The software for first-generation R1 models with four motors, as well as for first and second-generation R1 models with two motors, has also been updated. Specifically, an option for standard ride height has been added to Sport Mode. Furthermore, Sport Mode has become available for dual-motor variants, “unlocking optimized power delivery and acceleration.”
Among other innovations are a Launch Mode and a “Lower” setting that reduces ride height by approximately an inch to facilitate entry and exit. A cold weather indicator has been added, showing how much energy is being used to heat the battery and what portion of the range is “temporarily unavailable until the battery reaches optimal operating temperature.”
These large-scale investments in infrastructure and software improvements demonstrate how seriously Rivian is taking the preparation for the R2 launch. The success of the more affordable model will depend not only on its technical specifications but also on whether the company can provide quality and prompt service for a significantly expanded customer base. Reducing service wait times and developing mobile services are key steps to meeting the needs of new owners, especially in regions where physical service centers are not yet open.