Richard Fabini

🚗🔌 **Exciting Updates in the Rivian R1 Platform!** 🚀 As a technical trainer, I'm thrilled to share the latest developments in Rivian's R1 platform. Buckle up, because this is more than just a facelift—it's a quantum leap forward. 🌟 ## 1. Autonomous Sensory and System: The Rivian Autonomy Platform Rivian's revamped R1S and R1T now come equipped with the cutting-edge Rivian Autonomy Platform. Picture this: The system integrates inputs from 11 internally developed high-resolution cameras. These cameras provide a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings, capturing critical data for safe navigation. Additionally, the platform utilizes five advanced radars, enhancing its ability to detect objects, pedestrians, and other vehicles. All working in harmony, capturing an uninterrupted 360-degree view even in dark tunnels. ##2. Streamlined Zonal Architecture: Less Is More Rivian’s move to a zonal architecture is akin to decluttering a busy workspace. Here’s how it works:- In the previous generation, Rivian relied on 17 electronic control units (ECUs) scattered throughout the vehicle. Now, they’ve consolidated these into just 7 strategically placed units. The zonal architecture enables efficient communication between ECUs within specific zones. Each zone handles related functions, reducing the complexity of wiring and improving reliability. Thanks to Nvidia Drive Orin processors, this system is 10 times more powerful than its predecessor. The entire system processes an astonishing 250 trillion operations per second, ensuring real-time responsiveness and accuracy. And guess what? streamlining efficiency and reducing wiring by 1.6 miles per vehicle. Safety features like blind spot monitoring and highway assist are standard, with even more advanced capabilities coming soon. 📸🛣️ ## 3. Battery Evolution: Adaptive Range Tracking and LFP Cells Rivian isn't playing games when it comes to batteries. Their adaptive range tracking ensures optimal performance, dynamically adjusting based on driving conditions. The new Large and Max battery packs feature redesigned modules and more efficient packaging. The pack enclosure now utilizes large high pressure die castings to not only dramatically simplify manufacturing but to also reduce mass. Plus, they've embraced LFP cells (lithium iron phosphate) for their Standard battery pack. These cells enhance longevity, safety, and affordability. Imagine the possibilities—longer drives, fewer worries! 🔋🔍 ##4. Motor Technology: Silent Powerhouses Rivian is designing, engineering and manufacturing all motors in-house. There’s a new Tri Motor option, combining a single front motor with two rear-mounted units, generating 850 horsepower and 1103 pound-feet. The Quad Motor models now deliver a whopping 1025 horsepower and 1198 pound-feet of torque.. 🚀⚡ Source : https://lnkd.in/dDUYT3Q8 🚗🔌 #Rivian #innovation #ElectricVehicles #ElectricCar #electricalarchitecture #zonalecu #nvidea🌐🔗

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What is wrong with this statement? While automakers say they're committed to electrification,.... "they only make money on products customers want to buy" Ignorant Auto makers who don't know how to reduce costs and, ignorant consumers who don't know what they pay for. Major product supplier organisations calling foul and blaming the demanding consumer? Sounds like switching the value proposition on capitalism. I don't know how to build a car but I do know it is made out of materials and energy and information. If the Auto makers thought #LEAN and eliminated #waste and so didn't need to buy more materials every time they make a car, they might cut their costs. But do the largest companies really want to sell products for less? #yeswecan #costcarbon

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Fantastic partnership opportunity. Volkswagen Group has struggled mightily with their ev in-vehicle software, arguably the biggest pain point with their ID lineup. Rivian gets to leverage its current strengths, create additional pathways for launching 2 new platforms, and *hopefully* receive insights and partnerships to launch into anticipated regions, including VW’s home market: Europe. [speculating] While some stories end unfavorably [see Fisker re: bankruptcy], Rivian keeps showing promise and legacy auto should pay attention beyond just software - into drivetrain and product development. 😎 Speaking of drivetrain and product development…With the recently launched second-generation R1 series, Rivian beat its own track record at #pikespeakhillclimb this past weekend by ~30 seconds!! 🙌

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Whether SMR or data centers or both, these giant producers of byproduct heat could be sited close to urban centers, and then the waste heat can be monetized, with district heating and (thermally driven) district cooling. MicroEra Power, Inc. has affordable, tunable Thermal Energy Storage which can match supply and demand of the sources, and the district energy systems… Unlike lithium batteries, our materials are unconstrained, in terms of availability and cost.

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The DRIVER led CHARGE to ELECTRIC work vehicles   Rule #1: *Always* look after your drivers   “Part of my hypothesis is that (electric) will help truck driver retention. We’re seeing people who would retire driving a diesel truck now working more years with an electric truck.”  Mike Roeth, Executive Director North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) If you’re a fleet operator in virtually any part of the world today, you’ll know that the toughest part of the job is finding drivers. It’s not just a problem with heavy duty trucking, but also with medium duty vehicle operators doing local runs. One way for fleets to stay competitive in attracting and retaining drivers is to make sure that they're driving electric vehicles. Why? Because #electricvehicles result in a FAR improved work environment. Here are the advantages that we hear from drivers: 1)    MUCH quieter and with less vibrations, meaning drivers are much less fatigued at the end of a working day, resulting in better concentration and therefore safer driver decisions. 2)    Lower centre of gravity means more predictable handling and much lower likelihood of rollover in an accident 3)    Much improved acceleration means safer merging onto highways and higher speed roads 4) Plugging in at depot is a far more pleasant experience than refueling with gas or diesel There are other advantages for drivers too: - EVs zero out the possibility of exhaust leaks which can allow exhaust emissions to enter the cabin (This is the #1 reason why defect notices are issued to school buses in New York) - Many drivers feel empowered with a new sense of purpose from driving electric work vehicles as there are no emissions to make people sick, and drastically reduced carbon emissions that create global warming.   This is an extremely important message, and one that I am working with Vision Mobility’s client Motiv Power Systems to get out there.   Motiv Power Systems makes medium duty electric  trucks and buses, and feedback from drivers in fleets where they operate is extremely positive. The bottom line here is that electric work vehicles are just a MUCH more pleasant work environment, and IC is a place that drivers don’t want to go back to. What are your thoughts on improving driver retention by adopting electric vehicles? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks to Jim Castelaz Kathryn Churchill Marc Anthony (Tony) Nisam Ellie Beard #automotive #batteries #climatechange #emobility #innovation #sustainability #renewableenergy

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Is Tesla cutting its own throat by firing the entire Supercharger team? "Astoundingly, the rest of the auto industry that was getting ready to partner with Tesla on charging seems blindsided as well today, leaving them with countless questions about what's next. "We were surprised as anyone, and have no additional information than what’s been reported," one automaker official told me. There's no two ways about it: this move is utterly baffling." In the last 10 years, after some excellent strategic moves, it appeared that Musk and Tesla were playing chess, while all other OEMs were playing checkers. One of those was the widespread roll out of the Supercharger network. It was, and remains, a massive competitive advantage. So much so that every other OEM signed up for Tesla's NACS charging standard in North America. This huge network allowed Tesla to capitalize on future EV rollout, and secure huge amounts of federal funding Yet, now Musk has fired the ENTIRE team!! Why would you kill your own competitive advantage? Perhaps Musk is so focused on robotaxi he doesn't see a need for Superchargers. Apart from cost savings, I see no upside for this, and MAJOR downside. It's a shocking end to one of the best infrastructure rollouts in decades. What do you think the reason for laying off the entire Supercharger team is? Will Tesla invest in truck Megacharging? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below #automotive #batteries #climatechange #electricvehicles #innovation #sustainability #cleanenergy #renewableenergy More here: https://lnkd.in/gi7cEibF

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Wow. VW Group will invest up to $5 billion in Rivian to form a new, equally controlled joint venture sharing #EV architecture + software. JV's HOT TAKE: (a) Rivian gets the cash it needs before the R2 goes into production 2 yrs hence; (b) VW desperately needs software help on SDVs; (c) VW gets a US-based JV to build new products; so (d) Is THIS what underpins the new (and so far largely unknown) Scout Motors Inc. brand? More to come on this, for sure. #electriccars #electricvehicles #autoindustry #automotive #VWgroup #Rivian https://lnkd.in/eJsauZfs

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Once you go EV, you DON'T go back. That guarantees EVs will WIPE OUT IC in the long term "Over 91% of EV owners surveyed say their next car will be an EV." When OEMs measure brand success, one of the key measures is retention. ie will that customer buy again? It's a direct reflection of the experience of their car so far. If any brand has a retention rate of over 50%, they're doing well. So, when I see that EVs have 91% of owners say they'll buy again, that is unbelievably good! (My guess is that it's probably 10% for hydrogen FCEV) What it means is that EVs don't lose customers (except for a small percentage), they only gain. Which means that sales can only continue to expand, which is exactly what's been happening. Eventually that means all new vehicle sales will be EV, even if not government mandated. One of the reasons for this is a significant improvement in the charging network. While most people charge primarily at home, a good experience includes relatively little range anxiety and reliable public charging. While there's a lot of work still to do, it IS improving quickly. The other point worth mentioning is that EVs are simply much nicer to drive than a hybrid or IC vehicle. Smooth, silent, strong linear torque from rest to WAY above the highway speed limit. They're also WAY cheaper to run. If you're still driving an IC vehicle, make sure your next one is EV. You won't go back, I can almost completely guarantee that. Have you noticed that once people go EV, few go back to IC? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below #automotive #batteries #climatechange #electricvehicles #innovation #sustainability #cleanenergy #renewableenergy More here: https://lnkd.in/g4gWh7HV? Pic credit - Financial Times

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Plug-in hybrids with twice as much range are about to become the hot new thing. You can thank the California government and automakers’ lobbying efforts, in part, for delaying the all-electric transition. In interviews at the 2024 New York auto show, two executives familiar with their brands’ future products independently told Green Car Reports the magic number for plug-in hybrids: 70 miles. #electromobility #mobilitysolutions #futureisnow

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Is Tesla's Charging Network the Answer to the Country's Infrastructure Problem?? Given the recent Tesla Supercharger layoffs (and rehires), it might be a whole new ballgame! On Friday May 31st, I'll be on a panel at the Electrify Expo Long Beach Industry Day speaking on the topic: "Is Tesla's Charging Network the Answer to the Country's Infrastructure Problem?" with Tom Bowen of Qmerit and Laycee S. (Miss GoElectric), and moderated by Emily Dreibelbis of PCMag. I will also be doing the intro key note speech. Make sure to come by, watch the panel and say if you're in LA. Do you think that Tesla's Supercharger network and NACS is the answer to charging infrastructure problems? Let me know your thoughts below. Thanks to Malory Van Guilder, Allie Potter, BJ Birtwell For 25% off tickets use code: EE24MSGO25 or use this link: https://lnkd.in/gPcBSATT

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NEW Electric vehicle maker Rivian this week took the wraps off its new Connect+ wireless service plan, which features access to premium services like satellite imagery and streaming music. Broadly, the company's new plan helps to underline a general move by the automotive industry to offer tiered wireless service plans that are similar to the ones offered by wireless network operators themselves. Like some other automotive options, Rivian's new Connect+ plan costs $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year and offers several premium goodies beyond the basic connectivity services that come standard with all Rivian vehicles. Rivian's standard wireless services include live navigation, tethering and Alexa for basic vehicle commands. MORE: https://lnkd.in/gQE_u8Vh

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The data is exciting, but the charged political commentary on Steve Greenfield's feed is disheartening. Whether EVs are more affordable or not should not be so inflammatory. I saw a post today that in China, EVs are now generally less expensive than ICE vehicles. The scales are tipping, and this is great news for consumers and the planet. Let's stay ahead of the global trend and be leaders instead of in-fighting and shooting ourselves in the collective feet. #evsareforeveryone #electricvehiclesarethefuture #thefutureiselectric #greenliving #climateaction

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This is actually 4D chess. If all of the OEMs signed on to the standard, then the rest of the industry can start contributing to building it out. Every single member of the Supercharger team will be snapped up instantaneously throughout the industry. It’s shocking at first blush, but actually brilliant. It’s not just fair, but the most beneficial move for the industry. Everyone should be building.

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Steering wheel goes wild under its own power -- Unintended steering due to improper manufacturing calibration. (Ford / NHTSA Recall 24V-493) From the department of you don't need "self-driving" for your software to try to kill you. Piecing together the scant information in the recall report, it seems that a supplier manufacturer inverted wires used to set up steering wheel sensors, resulting in an "inverted polarity" in the sensor. In other words right and left were swapped on the sensor. This sensor was installed in steering power assist in 30K+ Ford Mustangs. So if you pull left, the sensor telling the power steering what you wanted to do thinks you meant to pull right, and the converse. Under some conditions, this means the steering wheel fights you. Or worse, because if the steering wheel pulls hard, you're likely to pull even harder the other way. "The steering wheel may begin oscillating without warning (alternating clockwise / counterclockwise) when the driver attempts to steer. The oscillation results from the electronic power steering gear providing unintended steering assist." I'm aware that a standard aircraft check is to make sure the control stick is wired to the control surfaces without reversed controls. First time I've heard of this happening for a production ground vehicle. NHTSA Recall report: https://lnkd.in/enM2BA6T https://lnkd.in/edEEshGJ

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Residual values of electric vehicles (EVs) are declining, which poses a significant challenge for EV adoption. This decline in residual values makes leasing EVs more expensive for automakers and consumers. The resale values of electric cars are generally much lower than those of their internal combustion engine counterparts, primarily due to rapid technological advancements, market dynamics, and higher initial purchase prices that do not translate well into the used car market. AutoTrader: A study from iSeeCars.com found that EVs have the worst resale value among all propulsion types, with an average loss of nearly 50% of their value in five years, compared to around 39% for all vehicles in the survey. https://lnkd.in/ghZ-9iZX Drive.com.au: A UK study found that electric cars, on average, lose 51% of their purchase value in three years, compared to 37% for petrol-powered vehicles. https://lnkd.in/gkMafdTm CNBC: A study from iSeeCars.com showed that the average price of a 1- to 5-year-old used EV in the U.S. fell 31.8% over the past 12 months, compared to just 3.6% for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. https://lnkd.in/gn79AYmH Forbes: Tesla models experienced significant depreciation between 2023 and 2024, with resale values dropping by an average of 31.5-34.4%, depending on the model. https://lnkd.in/g_K6XPqV Ayvens: Electric cars tend to depreciate more than ICE vehicles due to rapid technological advancements. https://lnkd.in/g4nrmT2x Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): While EVs can be cheaper to operate over their lifetime due to lower fuel and maintenance costs, they still suffer from higher depreciation rates compared to ICE vehicles. This is partly due to the rapid pace of technological advancements in the EV sector https://lnkd.in/gbeUzDci CarParts.com: EVs generally lose their resale value faster than gas-powered cars. Early battery and plug-in hybrid EVs with shorter driving ranges depreciated more quickly than gas or hybrid cars https://lnkd.in/gKxGPhWm The rapid technological advancements, aggressive pricing strategies by market leaders like Tesla, and higher initial purchase prices that do not translate well into the used car market are primary factors contributing to this trend. #evresalevalues #evdepreciation #electriccardepreciation #evvsicecars #evadoption #residualvalues #leasingcosts #teslaseffect #evadoptionrate

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I would expect the decision to pull back from EV charging by Tesla is either to get major auto OEMs who recently started to use Tesla chargers to share the cost for expanding of the charging infrastructure Or to pressure government to get more funding. Maybe both.

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