Rivian is taking another step toward more advanced autonomous driving, and it’s asking its customers to help. The electric vehicle manufacturer has launched an invitation-only program that allows selected owners to test upcoming driver-assistance features before they’re released to the public.
Called the Autonomy Early Access Program, the initiative will initially focus on Rivian’s new Point to Point driving system. It follows an approach familiar to Tesla owners, with real-world customer feedback helping engineers refine the technology.
However, getting into the program won’t be as simple as owning a Rivian. The company is carefully selecting participants based on their driving history, vehicle, location, and use of existing driver-assistance features.
The first invitations are going to owners in California and Florida, with other states expected to follow. Rivian plans to introduce Point to Point through the program in late 2026 before expanding availability in 2027.
Rivian Wants Owners To Test Point To Point Driving
Point to Point builds on Rivian’s existing hands-free driving technology by allowing vehicles to follow navigation routes, including turns and highway merges. The system is designed to handle supported roads while drivers remain responsible for monitoring their surroundings.
Despite its capabilities, this is a Level 2 driver-assistance system, not fully autonomous driving, so drivers must still be attentive and ready to intervene whenever necessary.
The program is open to eligible second-generation R1T and R1S owners, along with R2 owners, who have an active paid Autonomy+ subscription. First-generation R1 vehicles, trial subscribers, and Canadian owners are excluded.
Participants Must Meet Strict Requirements
Interested owners can register through the Autonomy Early Access section of their Rivian accounts. However, submitting an application doesn’t guarantee an invitation.
Rivian will consider factors including previous collision warnings, driving safety, and how frequently owners use Autonomy features. Selected participants must use the experimental features weekly, report problems, and complete monthly surveys.
Selected participants must also consent to location and camera data collection, sign a confidentiality agreement, and potentially take part in interviews. Rivian will reassess eligibility approximately every 30 days and can remove participants who fail to meet its requirements.
Owners Won’t Be Paid For Testing
Although participants will gain early access to new features, Rivian won’t compensate them for their time or feedback. They’ll effectively help the company improve its software while continuing to pay for the required Autonomy+ subscription.
Rivian expects a Point to Point rollout for eligible Autonomy+ subscribers in 2027. Until then, Rivian will be relying on a select group of paying customers to help refine technology that could eventually reach thousands of its vehicles.