Rivian will deliver R2 with lidar only to employees in 2026 — InsideEVs

Rivian plans to begin installing its proprietary RAP1 computer and lidar in the R2 model by the end of 2026, but the first vehicles with this equipment will be intended only for company employees. The new equipment is planned to become available to regular buyers from 2027, InsideEVs reports.

New computer and lidar

Chip Newcomb, Rivian's vice president of investor relations, spoke about the technology rollout schedule during the Evercore forum dedicated to driver-assistance systems, autonomous transport and artificial intelligence. According to him, the company will first begin installing RAP1 — a third-generation computer — together with lidar in vehicles for employees, and will start delivering such cars to customers next year.

RAP1 is a computer developed by Rivian for its autonomy systems. The third-generation platform also includes long-range lidar, five radars and 11 cameras.

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Schedule for buyers

Earlier, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe stated that the Gen 3 platform would begin arriving at the end of 2026. Newcomb's comment clarifies that this year's rollout will apply only to vehicles for company employees, while customers will be able to receive this equipment next year.

In July, Rivian told InsideEVs that RAP1 and lidar would not be offered in the R2 Launch Package trim. According to the publication, this package will be available only for 2027 model-year vehicles. The company did not respond to journalists' requests to clarify the delivery schedule.