Rivian Acquires A Higher Routeplanner, Rapidly Integrates It In OTA Replace, Commits To Retaining ABRP Open

In a latest announcement, Rivian informed the EV world that it purchased a key route planning software program firm: A Higher Routeplanner (ABRP). Earlier than I dig into the announcement, I wish to clarify why EV route planning issues. Then, I’ll get into some vital particulars current ABRP customers will wish to know.

Why Route Planning Software program Is A Key Asset For EV Producers

In a gas-powered automotive, it’s fairly straightforward to go on journeys. Begin your journey with a full tank, after which when it begins to get low, search for gasoline stations. Each little city alongside the freeway tends to have at the very least one gasoline station, so there’s little threat of getting stranded.

Alternatively, EV route planning presents new challenges, reminiscent of restricted driving vary, much less widespread charging infrastructure, various charging speeds and compatibility, and the necessity to optimize power consumption. Components like elevation adjustments, climate situations, and driving fashion can influence an EV’s power consumption, and drivers should take these under consideration when planning a route.

I don’t learn about you, however I’m not a mathematician. So, I depend on software program to plan my journeys and issue all of this into determining whether or not I’ll get there or get caught charging at an RV park or driving in a tow truck. Clever route planning makes use of real-time knowledge on charging station areas, compatibility, and availability to create optimum routes based mostly on the driving force’s preferences and the car’s specs. Superior algorithms estimate power consumption alongside the route, factoring in parts like elevation, climate, and driving habits to assist drivers plan extra successfully.

Good software program goes above and past the fundamentals. Actual-time updates on visitors situations, street closures, and charging station availability enable drivers to regulate their route on-the-go if wanted. Some EV route planning software program may even join instantly with the car’s onboard techniques, offering seamless navigation and charging station suggestions based mostly on the car’s present state of cost.

There are a variety of competing software program packages on the market that may do that. If you happen to drive a Tesla, nice software program is constructed proper into the automotive. If you happen to’re like me and drive one other model’s EV, your expertise may be anyplace from utilizing unhealthy software program to not having this software program accessible in any respect.

My first theoretically roadtrip-capable EV was a 2018 Nissan LEAF (with the 40 kWh battery pack that overheats). I realized the onerous means that EPA vary means completely nothing on street journeys, and that not planning for issues like steep hill climbs and freeway speeds may be an sudden vary killer. The bottom mannequin I had (S-trim) didn’t have something however a primary bluetooth head unit, and no touchscreen, however even when I had a greater one, journey planning software program is tremendous primary.

So, I needed to discover one other answer for planning street journeys. After attempting a number of totally different apps and web sites, the one I discovered the be essentially the most correct (at the very least in 2018) was A Higher Routeplanner.

Whereas automakers have dropped the ball, ABRP made up for his or her ineptitude. Not solely did it help almost all EVs, but it surely built-in each charging firm knowledge and knowledge from your individual car if you happen to hyperlink it up through the online or an OBD-II connector (through a Bluetooth dongle). Thus, it has turn into a significant software for a lot of EV house owners.

Rivian Isn’t Going To Take That Away From Anyone

When the rumors began flying, I talked to any person I do know at ABRP. They informed me that they weren’t promoting to anyone until they dedicated to holding the software program accessible for all EV drivers, which was an enormous reduction for me, as a result of the MyChevrolet journey planner is fairly terrible regardless of supposedly studying car energy utilization knowledge.

When Rivian introduced the acquisition, that was one of many massive issues it reiterated within the announcement. “…we’re dedicated to persevering with its growth for all EV drivers.” the corporate stated.

If something, it appears probably that elevated assets will assist make A Higher Routeplanner higher and extra user-friendly, and will result in it turning into a built-in app for extra producers sooner or later.

They Built-in It Into Rivian’s In-Sprint Software program Fairly Quick

As we’re reported earlier than, ABRP and its mother or father firm Iternio (additionally bought by Rivian) is already within the enterprise of supporting in-dash integration of its software program. One good instance is its cope with Skoda to do precisely that.

Many had been shocked on the pace at which Rivian added ABRP’s options into its software program, however given its current experience in that space, it shouldn’t be an enormous shock.

Wow! @RouteBetter already built-in into the @Rivian software program launch that simply hit my truck.

That was quick ⚡️

Can’t wait to strive it out – the software program help of this truck has set the benchmark within the trade. pic.twitter.com/BzZBVsvxEO

— Kyle Conner (@itskyleconner) June 22, 2023

Like common ABRP, Rivian drivers now have the power to not solely plan journeys within the sprint, however plan them on different units forward of time and save them to their Rivian account for later navigation. So, planning complicated journeys the place charging infrastructure is restricted doesn’t require sitting and doing in of their automobiles.

How This Impacts The Future Of The Rivian Journey Community

Along with constructing automobiles, Rivian has one other trick up its sleeve: the Journey Community. The corporate lately introduced that it is going to be switching to the NACS (Tesla) plug for car charging, and this can ultimately embody the Journey Community stations.

However, one of many nice strengths of Tesla will not be solely its charging community, however all the knowledge it collects. Whereas Rivian gained’t get that type of knowledge from ABRP, it nonetheless offers it helpful info.

“Past route planning, the information insights on the place there may be inadequate dependable charging will assist us strategically plan the place we prioritize constructing our Rivian Journey Community.” stated RJ Scaringe, Rivian Chief Government Officer.

So, that is going to be an enormous enchancment not just for Rivian and its route planning capabilities, but in addition for all EV drivers who use the Journey Community and ABRP (both instantly or by an organization partnership).

Different Automakers Would Be Smart To Accomplice With ABRP, Even If Rivian Owns It

Whereas I do know many individuals desire different route planning apps, I personally actually like each the convenience of use and the superior capabilities ABRP already provides.

Certain, different corporations might rent employees and construct their very own route planning software program, however that takes quite a lot of money and time simply to proceed to be behind the leaders. Or, they might reap the benefits of not solely what ABRP has constructed, however what Rivian goes to do to make it even higher.