Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is incorporating its advanced driver assistance technology as a standard feature across its entire production line. This includes the company’s initial models – the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV – scheduled for release in 2021.

Specifics regarding this system, known as Driver+, were among the many new details revealed on the company’s website on Wednesday. This release also included pricing and specifications for both the R1T and R1S vehicles.

According to Rivian, the driver assistance system will autonomously handle steering, speed adjustments, and lane changes as directed. The functionalities outlined by Rivian indicate this is a Level 2 system, as defined by SAE International. Level 2 signifies the system’s ability to manage two or more driving functions while maintaining driver oversight. To enable this level of automation, the system utilizes dual redundant computing platforms, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 external cameras, five radar units, and a high-precision GPS. This configuration provides the vehicle with comprehensive 360-degree camera and radar coverage. The hardware setup is notably more extensive than that employed by Tesla for its driver assistance features. It closely resembles GM’s hands-free Super Cruise system, although Rivian’s implementation appears to include a greater number of cameras.

Rivian is also integrating a driver-monitoring system, featuring an interior-facing camera, to confirm driver attentiveness and ensure their focus remains on the road while the system is active. Initially, the hands-free functionality will be restricted to designated highways, with planned expansions – delivered through over-the-air software updates – to encompass a wider range of locations and road types. This approach mirrors GM’s rollout of its Super Cruise system, which began with limited highway access and subsequently broadened its coverage.

Although several automotive manufacturers offer Level 2 systems, their capabilities differ. Recent evaluations by Consumer Reports have identified GM’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot as among the most effective and user-friendly systems. However, Tesla’s system received a lower overall score due to the absence of a driver monitoring system designed to verify driver alertness and engagement.