Rivian Recap: 06/26/2026
Hey there,
Here's your weekly Rivian Recap for June 26th, 2026.
I outline my biggest Rivian regret, exploring how R2 qualifies for thousands more in discounts, delivery windows coming in hot, and 80% of service to be done via mobile service teams?
Let's dive in!
Software
The software story this week is focused on my biggest Rivian regret after owning both Gen2 R1S and R1T, and being in Rivians for about 2 years.
Ultimately, even though Rivian software is light years better than anyone not named Tesla, there are still many examples of daily paper cuts.
Not every software thing will impact every driver, but it's a bit shocking that more people haven't talked about the difference in how dual motor vehicles operate compared to Tri or Quad motor builds.
As a result, if I buy another R1, it will not be a dual motor just because of how I prefer the vehicle to fundamentally work.
A few areas I did NOT cover in the video but are still software related and should 100% be easily fixed (as I mentioned in this other video), have to do with how the air vents and pet comfort affordances work.
The Pet Comfort Mode improvements feel painfully obvious, and even though I had confirmation that the software team was given the notes all the way back in February, we're still waiting on improvements.
Heck, R2 is missing Pet Comfort Mode all together at launch as the software team has been stretched so thin just to get R2 out the door at all.
Here's a few examples of what Pet Comfort Mode needs:
- The ability to enable/disable from mobile (likely coming asap)
- Persistence when you have it enabled and then go into drive
- A safety continuance of Pet Mode after parking, with an ability to disable remotely if you forgot and have walked away
These items feel like the bare minimum for a safe and comfortable experience when you are traveling with pets in the vehicle.
I fully realize that not everyone has pets, and even then only a subset travel with them. But when we are going far for the day, having our dog with us frees us from rushing back for bathroom breaks or meal times.
Other than audio, the polish of software continues to be the one area that Rivian really lags Tesla in a way that can be grating.
Compared to every other automaker though, it's not even close.
Rivian is making big strides, as proven by the VW $5.8 Billion investment. However, as someone who has run software teams for ~15 years, they are clearly stretched thin and the tech debt shows.
If you're wondering about how R2 fits into all this, and what lessons Rivian may have learned from this... I cover that as well later in today's video.
Hardware
By the time the next newsletter drops, everyone with an R2 reservation should have an approximate window of when they can expect to order.
Several reservation holders seem to be getting nudges to clarify their configuration preferences and lease status in order to give better resolution to the order invite estimates.
While I'm sure some will be disappointed when they see an order window further out than they'd hoped, we are likely to see things really pick up towards the end of the year as Q4 will have dramatically higher production.
Note: Even though I got my order in last week, I still don't have a VIN or scheduled delivery date like others have been fortunate enough to get. I will keep you updated on the process as we go!
For those who do get to order sooner vs later, I dug deeper into a new opportunity to save thousands more on R2 if you're financing.
A law passed late last year with a silly name has a poorly understood affordance for a new tax deduction. There are production, income, and time limits, but the net result for more buyers than you'd expect could save them thousands.
There are layers of nuance to it, but make sure to speak with your tax advisor after watching the video to see if you may qualify.
You'd be surprised how many tax professionals don't know to ask you about all the possible deduction oriented activities you have may taken throughout the year. Informing our tax people saved us a solid 5 figures when we got our R1 vehicles due to an edge case, so make sure to ask!
An interesting article this week about a desire for expansion to Rivian Mobile service, which has been a terrific user experience the few times we've been able to get (limited) access to it here in Washington.
Apparently, Rivian is aiming for 80% of service to be remote.
That includes on the side of a mountain, which seems... optimistic.
(Side note, a Rivian Blue Quad-Motor R1T w/ Dune wheels is the dream spec.)
However, the general aim of nearly all service being done by mobile crews is definitely the right target. Back when we owned a Tesla, mobile service was shockingly spectacular.
This could also help some of the stories of vehicles waiting days or even weeks after being dropped off to have work get started by the service team.
As R2 and beyond start ramping up, we're going to need to see a dramatic improvement in service efficiency to keep up with the fleet.
Rivian gives a nice recap of the technology behind R2.
The highlights are as expected, but if this is going to be your first EV, there are a number of things that will feel like a space ship (in a good way).
- Rivian OS 2.0
- Halo Haptic Wheels (hopefully with some software polish)
- The Autonomy solution
- More in-car AI for quicker responses
- A driver display (shots fired at Tesla, I guess... lol)
- On-board power, which is awesome for powered coolers and slushies!
Check out the full article here.
Community
One of the best parts about owning a Rivian are the fun shared experiences.
Last weekend for Fathers Day, we got together and having the awning installed for shade, coupled with the outlet in the back for Mango/Guava slushies proved to be a hit for the whole family.
Yes, I know the slushie machine would've done better in the shade as well, but it wasn't painfully hot. Simply adding a few clicks to the chill setting was more than enough to overcome the direct sun.
This kind of thing is why I'm so happy they kept at least one outlet in the R2, as I think we will see many more families realizing how convenient it is to have a giant battery with you that can power household items.
No matter if you have children or not, I hope you had a great Fathers Day weekend and spent it with people you care about.
Worth Checking Out - VION
With a warmer week last week here in Washington, I've been reminded just how much cooler and quieter our cabins are with sunshades installed.
While sometimes it's awesome to have an open cabin feel, getting some reprieve along with the huge benefit for a cabin that cools down dramatically faster with quieter HVAC operation is a welcome change on hot days.
VION now has an update to their popular R1S kit that can perfectly fit the 3rd row as well now, and a gray version for light interiors.
As a subscriber to the Rivian Recap, you can get 10% off anything site wide with code "TRAVIS", on what is already a stellar product for the price.
Check out their sunshades, carbon activated air filters, and more:
VION Sunshade // VION Air Filters
My thanks to VION for helping make this newsletter possible.
Latest Deals
Make sure you check out the dedicated offers page where you can review current Rivian offers. This should be easier to scan which models quality for what offers in one place.
Here's what's sticking out for deals this week:
Dual Large w/Performance [Lease vs Buy Example]
2026 R1S Dual-Large w/Performance (Premium Audio)
2026 R1T Dual-Large w/Performance (Premium Audio, Utility V2 Tonneau)
Dual Max w/Performance [Lease vs Buy Example]
2026 R1S Dual-Max w/Performance (Premium Audio)
2026 R1T Dual-Max w/Performance (Premium Audio, Utility, V2 Tonneau)
**An interesting note about the Forest Edge configurations, is that they show up as a "cheaper lease" when sorting by lowest lease. However, they don't qualify for the current lease cash or finance incentives.
That makes this misleading as Rivian assumes $3k more cash up front to get that lease number down. Leasing an equivalent Dual Max Performance is $1,300 less over 36 months, and financing is $9,202 less with the 0.99% promotional rate.
As a reminder you always want to do $0 down when leasing to minimize losses in the event your vehicle is totaled or stolen during your lease.
Forest Edge is thousands less if you're paying cash, but all other purchase options are notably better with the current promotions on normal trims.**
Tri Max ($3k Lease or 1.99% for 60 months) [Lease vs Buy Example]
All referrals also get 3 months of free charging on the Rivian Adventure Network.
I hope enjoyed this weeks edition of the Rivian Recap. Let me know what you'd like to see more of in future editions!
Even if you just want to say hi, hit reply – I'd love to get to know you 👋
Stay curious ✌️,
Travis Ketchum
P.S. Thinking about buying a new Rivian?
Make sure you use a referral code. A friend, a neighbor, or someone who has helped you along the way.
Here's mine: TRAVIS4699411
P.P.S. Here are some tools and resources you may find useful: