Rivian Adopts Google Maps for Navigation in Latest Electric Vehicle Upgrade
Rivian, an automotive innovator based in Irvine, California, has announced that it is integrating Google Maps into its navigation system, replacing the previous software provided by Mapbox. This update is set to be rolled out to vehicles and the company’s mobile app via software updates, offering drivers a multitude of benefits derived from Google’s comprehensive mapping services.
In a statement, Rivian highlighted that this transition will provide users with up-to-date traffic and place information from Google Maps, which undergoes over 100 million daily updates. This fresh data aims to ensure the most efficient routes are selected, maintaining accurate estimated times of arrival (ETA) during journeys, and offering rerouting options should faster alternatives become available.
Prior complaints regarding the timeliness of data in the current navigation software have been noted on Reddit’s r/Rivian forum.
In addition to enhancing navigational capabilities, this update will also incorporate Google’s satellite imagery; however, access to this feature requires a subscription to Rivian’s Connect+ service, which is available for $14.99 per month or $149.99 annually. The Connect+ service also includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, among other features.
The new system will maintain key elements of the previous setup, integrating vehicle-charging smarts from A Better Routeplanner—an app acquired by Rivian in 2023 to support trip guidance, such as real-time estimates of the battery’s range on arrival and Rivian’s proprietary A-through-F reliability grades for fast chargers.
Rivian vehicles, equipped with the right adapters, can utilize a wide range of fast-charging sites. Older models of its R1T pickup and R1S SUV come with Combined Charging System plugs compatible with non-Tesla fast chargers (including those built within Rivian’s “Adventure Network”). Newer models ship with the Tesla-designed North American Charging Standard (NACS), enabling them to use any Tesla Supercharger.
The update also allows users and passengers to send “destinations and trips” to the dashboard display via Rivian’s mobile app. While other forms of phone-to-car integration, such as Google’s Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay systems, remain unavailable in Rivian’s vehicles.
