Rivian now offers new pet comfort mode
Rivian says that it was one of the most requested features by their customers.Similar to the feature available in Tesla models, American Ute and SUV EV-maker Rivian has released a software update that includes a feature called Pet Comfort, specifically for owners travelling with the furry members of the family.
To activate Pet Comfort, Rivian owners can press the paw icon in the upper right corner of the climate control screen before leaving the vehicle. If the Rivian has more than 80 kilometres of range and is in Park, the temperature can be set between 20 and 23 degrees, which the vehicle will maintain while you’re away. The car will automatically keep a cabin temperature of 23 degrees if no temperature is set.
Once Pet Comfort is selected, the Rivian Gear Guard character will appear on the infotainment screen with a message for passers-by to know that your pet is safe and comfortable inside. The screen also displays the current cabin temperature along with the set point.
Owners are able to check in on the status of the Pet Comfort feature via the Rivian mobile app and will receive notifications when it turns off, if the vehicle range becomes critically low or if the cabin temperature gets too hot. The feature will run until the battery is completely depleted or the driver turns it off.
These types of features are becoming increasingly common as more EVs come to market. Car designers and engineers are discovering the benefits of battery-based systems, such as running climate control without needing to have an engine turned on.
Although owners in the US are able to utilise this feature, Australians and their pets may have to wait until at least 2024 to get behind the wheel of a Rivian electric ute or SUV.
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Related: Related: Related: Pets in cars: What are the rules when on the road?
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