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Rivian Brings Halloween Spirit To R1T And R1S Models With “Car Costumes” Update

New Software Update Allows Rivian Owners Transform Their EVs Into Pop Culture Icons Like Knight Rider And The DeLorean

2 min read

By Michael Phoon • October 17, 2024

Rivian software update for Halloween (Image: Rivian)

Rivian is once again embracing the Halloween season with a creative and fun-filled software update for its R1T and R1S electric vehicles (EVs). Set to roll out on October 18, 2024, this update brings a host of new features that transform Rivian EVs into mobile Halloween celebrations.

Car Costumes: The Star of the Show

Halloween 2024 Software Update | Knight Rider ft. David Hasselhoff (Vide; Rivian)

According to Rivian, the highlight of this year’s update is the introduction of “Car Costumes,” a fun feature that lets Rivian owners dress up their vehicles in digital disguises inspired by popular culture. When parked, Rivian vehicles can take on one of three creative transformations.

First, fans of the 80s TV show Knight Rider can turn their Rivian into K.I.T.T., the intelligent car from the series. The vehicle’s interior display mimics K.I.T.T.’s diagnostic screen, while the sound system plays the show’s iconic theme. For owners of 2025 models, the front light bar glows red and emits the signature scanner sound, adding an extra layer of nostalgia.

Next, Back to the Future enthusiasts can transform their Rivian into Doc Brown’s DeLorean time machine. The interior screen displays the famous time-travel interface, complete with a “Plutonium Chamber” gauge and date settings. The update also includes the movie’s theme music and acceleration sounds. 2025 model owners can press an “88 mph” button to trigger a special light and sound show using the vehicle’s exterior lighting.

For those who prefer a spooky Halloween vibe, there’s the “Haunted Rivian” option. It features eight different eerie sound effects and three color themes mixing purple, yellow, red, and green. The interior screen displays ghostly images, while 2025 models project the selected colors on the exterior light bar for a haunting effect.

Additional Spooky Features

Beyond the Car Costumes, Rivian has sprinkled Halloween magic throughout the user experience:

  • Owl Chirp Lock Sound: Instead of the standard locking beep, vehicles now emit an owl chirp. 2025 models offer four chirp options, while earlier models have two choices.
  • Haunted Driver Display: While driving, the digital instrument cluster shows pedestrians as zombies and cyclists as headless horsemen.
  • Spooky Camp Mode: The popular camp mode gets a Halloween makeover with bats, pumpkins, and eerie green flames.
  • Themed Drive Modes: All drive modes now feature Halloween-inspired 3D artwork, including glowing eyes, skulls, candles, and a witch on a broomstick.

Availability and Requirements

The Halloween-themed update will be available from October 18 to November 4, 2024. To access these features, both the vehicle’s software and the Rivian mobile app must be updated to the latest versions.

This marks the third consecutive year Rivian has released a Halloween-themed update, following similar initiatives in 2022 and 2023. The company’s commitment to these playful updates has become a hallmark of its brand identity, emphasizing a sense of adventure and fun in the EV market.

More Than Just Fun and Games

While the Halloween update showcases Rivian’s creative side, it comes at a crucial time for the company. Rivian’s stock has seen a significant decline, dropping from nearly $20 per share in the summer to around $10 as of mid-October. The decrease is attributed to delays in vehicle deliveries, highlighting the challenges the company faces in scaling up production and achieving profitability.

Despite these hurdles, Rivian’s continued investment in user experience and brand-building through these software updates demonstrates the company’s commitment to its customer base and its unique position in the EV market.

As Rivian owners prepare to take their costumed cars out for some Halloween fun, the company hopes this update will not only provide entertainment but also reinforce the brand’s innovative and playful spirit in the face of industry challenges.

If you are looking for Rivian models, we can help you get started. Click Here to find the best deals near you. Want to learn more about EV? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.


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