Rivian Recap: 11/07/2025
Hey there,
Here's your weekly Rivian Recap for November 7th, 2025.
Rivian has announced their Q3 results (with some big surprises!), RJ gives some details about R2 Launch Edition and a new robotics company??
Let's dive in!
R1
Probably the biggest piece of news related to R1 that isn't tied to the quarterly earnings announcement, is that R1's now calibrate their cameras automatically.
Through a combination of stationary calibration, and in-motion calibration, new R1's will let you know they need to be driven for ~1 hour to calibrate the cameras.
Anyone who has owned a new Tesla will immediately be reminded that Tesla works much in the same way, and in fact even some troubleshooting for ADAS issues involves clearing this and recalibrating.
While this is great in terms of dialing in any micro shifts that cameras may have in transport or daily use, my biggest question is yet unanswered.
Will this new calibration procedure solve for windshield replacements?
Talking with windshield specialists about their experience doing Tesla windshields, there is seemingly a quick and easy procedure to do so.
As I've mentioned in several videos, but most recently my 1 year R1S review, the hurdle of calibrating after a standard windshield replacement was one of my chief complaints regarding service and support.
Perhaps even if this doesn't solve the problem today, it could clear a path for this to be as standardized as an infotainment reboot in the future?
Next, after a flurry of a quarter rushing to the end of the tax credit situation, R1 sales continued to power Q3 numbers.
The biggest surprise?
Even with drops in EV sales across the board (of which R1 seems equally impacted by), Rivian has actually adjusted Q4 numbers up a bit.
I'd imagine this upbeat expectation must be from either fleet deals that Rivian expects, or perhaps there will be juicier end of year offers in the pipeline.
Quick note: I had a chance to test drive a well-equipped Lucid Gravity this week, I'll be collecting my thoughts about how it stacks up vs R1S in a video soon!
R2 + Beyond
RJ has finally shared some details about what the R2 Launch Edition is going to be like. And well, it shouldn't be a surprise to any of you.
As I detailed in the video above a month ago, it looks like R2 Launch Edition is going to break away from the mold set by R1 (both Gen1 and Gen2).
Instead of being the most robust power train (in this case, a tri-motor) or being the most upper-end trim, it will be a "well appointed dual-motor".
Specific pricing and options will be revealed in "early 2026" which is when I suspect we will see a more complete configurator.
But RJ did give a few reasons as to why they are doing it this way.
One - The vast majority of R2 buyers will be wanting a well optioned, large battery and dual-motor configuration.
Two - It gives Rivian the best chance at building a trim most closely aligned with what their best selling sku is doing to look like.
Three - (This is my take), I don't believe that Rivian has the tri-motor ready to go, and won't have it until either much later, or even until the Georgia plant is producing vehicles.
For those who are most excited about R2, I stand by the idea that this particular Launch Edition trim could be very compelling.
Don't forget, R1 buyers get first crack at R2!
More R2 teasers are starting to drip out.
Hopefully we get an increased flow of these as we get closer and closer to launch. They're fun!
Autonomy
After talking about Lucid's commitment to Level 4 autonomy ambitions with the latest suite from NVIDIA, it appears the race is heating back up for these tech focused OEM's to deliver on the promise of autonomy.
(PS - After my test drive with a current Lucid Gravity this week, I have some thoughts around this that may surprise a few folks.)
During the Q3 earnings call, there were two big AI & Autonomy related themes out of Rivian that are worth really focusing on here.
First - The biggest surprise news by far was that Rivian has spun out yet another company (similar to their move with micro-mobility firm, ALSO.), but this time it's all about robotics.
Rivian is learning a LOT about manufacturing, and using AI to do everything from planning and optimizing a production pathway, sourcing and assembly.
A thing that went under the radar when Rivian brought Aidan Gomez onto their board was the bit about manufacturing specifically.
Key quote:
"Aidan has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the rapidly evolving AI industry, and his thinking and expertise will support Rivian as we integrate new, cutting-edge technologies into our products, services and manufacturing."
In hindsight, this was probably a key turning point in the level of commitment Rivian has as an organization with their bet on AI for the DNA of the org.
The new robotics company is called "Mind Robotics", where Rivian retains an equity stake, but has attracted a seed round of $110 million from outside capital.
It seems clear that the goal here is for robotics to give manufacturing a big leap forward for everything, not just automative assembly.
Second - RJ continues to beat the drum on their autonomy progress, adding hype to the forthcoming December 11th "AI & Autonomy Day".
While I've always been in the minority that is excited about this kind of stuff, their progress with robotics and their clear excitement about point-to-point autonomy, including the strong belief they will deliver on eyes-free, is exciting.
For all the progress (and grief) that Tesla has made on this front, I think the market fatigue isn't from consumers lacking understanding of what it would mean if a car could safely get them point-to-point without paying attention.
The fatigue comes from constantly hearing that it's "right around the corner", or "coming this year" for over a decade.
Could the next 24 months be different?
It sure feels different, especially with multiple companies buying into the NVIDIA off-the-shelf package to pair with their own training data.
Thankfully, we won't have to wait long for a significant preview.
Community
As you've seen in past issues, your local Rivian Club is one of the best ways to get involved with the amazing Rivian community.
Some of the nicest and most interesting people that I would have never crossed paths with if it weren't for Rivian came through club events.
Here are some club events scheduled for the next week:
11/8: Emerald City Rivian Club - Garage Day: Group Tire Rotations, Vehicle Maintenance, and Club Hangout
11/8: New Jersey Rivian Club - Semi-Annual Off-Roading Adventure Day
11/8: Lone Star Rivian Club - Rivian at Stars and Stripes Drive-In: New Braunfels, TX
11/13: Central Oregon Rivian Club - Caravan of Care - Humane Society of the Ochocos
11/13: Sierra Nevada Rivian Club - Dinner at Moonraker - Quarterly West Slope Social Meetup
11/14: Mid-Atlantic Rivian Club - Assateague Island Overnight Camping Trip
Hopefully you can get out there to one of your local events if you haven't already. The people are what make this community special.
Latest Deals
Now that we've officially tipped over into November, we have a totally fresh set of deals that have gotten better across the board.
Better financing, and better leases for select trims.
While Rivian's charts are starting to look like a meme from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, I'm happy to help cut through the noise.
Here's the bottom line..
All 2025's are 1.99% financing, but their lease rates are often worse than the newer model year (dumb).
For 2026's, you can get 1.99% financing for the performance upgraded duals (large and max), or the upper-end tri and quad motors.
Lease incentives only apply to dual-max performance (not worth it, imho).
If you order the same day you either test-drive or request a trade-in estimate, Rivian will toss another $1,000 discount on for you.
Must place your order by November 30th.
My suggestion remain the same as it was during recent 1-year review.
I'd go with a 2026 model year, and lease either a dual-standard (with premium audio upgrade):
2026 R1S dual-standard (with premium audio)
2026 R1T dual-standard (with premium audio, tonneau, utility panel)
OR, I'd go up to a 2026 tri-motor for the improved driving dynamics.
Grab either of those on a lease, and snag the extra $1k for a trade-in request plus 500 gear shop credits through referral and you'll be super happy.
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