Why Rivian Said “No” to CarPlay
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe isn’t picking a fight with Apple—but he is standing firm on Rivian’s software philosophy. In a recent episode of Decoder, Scaringe explained why the automaker continues to skip Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even as competitors cave to demand.
Instead of simply mirroring your smartphone, Rivian built its own infotainment ecosystem from the ground up. It supports native apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and Apple Music, all wrapped in a clean, unified interface. The goal? Full control over the user experience—and a system designed for future AI integrations.
“We’re really convicted on this,” Scaringe said. “It’s about delivering a smarter, more seamless experience.”
R2: Mass-Market Price, Premium Vibes
Rivian’s highly anticipated R2 SUV is coming in early 2026, starting at $45,000. That’s roughly half the price of the R1S and R1T models—positioning it as Rivian’s first true mass-market EV.
Despite the lower price, Scaringe says R2 won’t feel “cheap.” It keeps the brand’s signature adventure-ready DNA, a sleek design, and high-end touches like a full glass roof and drop-down rear glass. Bonus: the size and ride height are perfect for families and city drivers alike.
Tariffs, China & EV Politics
When it comes to supply chains and global tensions, Scaringe is playing chess. He said Rivian anticipated trade policy shifts and sourced the R2 platform largely from U.S.-based suppliers. While tariffs and rare earth material shortages have caused hiccups, he says Rivian is well-positioned long term—and aims to stay politically neutral.
“We employ 16,000+ in the U.S.,” he added. “This shouldn’t be a partisan issue.”
Autonomy Isn’t a Buzzword
Rivian’s Gen 2 vehicles ship with custom sensors and advanced AI software. Hands-free highway driving is already live. By 2027, full eyes-off autonomy in certain scenarios is the goal. And yes, lidar remains a strong possibility.
EVs Without the Baggage
Even with early quality stumbles, Rivian tops customer satisfaction charts. Scaringe’s goal is simple: make clean, capable EVs that appeal to everyone—left, right, or undecided.
