The head of software at Rivian Automotive Inc. unexpectedly joined the company’s Tuesday investor conference call, promising updates including adaptive battery range tracking and augmented reality “drone mode” operation. Wassym Bensaid, senior vice president of software, stated: “We feel that our software capabilities are a structural differentiation that will only grow in importance as electric vehicles continue to expand in complexity.”
On a recent Rivian earnings call, the company’s head of software Wassym Bensaid promised updates for features like adaptive tracking of battery range and a “drone mode” that makes use of augmented reality.
The automotive technology firm Rivian creates goods and services to hasten the transition to sustainable mobility.
Rivian Software Chief Vow Big Upgrades in Surprise Visit on Earnings Call
Rivian Automotive Inc.’s head of software made a surprise appearance on the EV maker’s Tuesday call with analysts, promising upgrades ranging from adaptive tracking of battery range to “drone mode” operation using augmented reality.
“We believe that our software capabilities are a structural differentiator that will only grow in importance as electric vehicles continue to increase in complexity,” said Wassym Bensaid, senior vice president of software development.
A veteran of Intel Corp. who joined Rivian in November 2019, Bensaid, 46, and his team have used software to smooth production at the company’s Normal, Illinois plant, helping Rivian boost output and expectations for this year.
Over here, I’ve actually been called the Chief Reddit Officer
“Over here, I’ve actually been called the Chief Reddit Officer, given my interactions with customers on the Rivian Sub-Reddit,” Bensaid said shortly after his introduction by founder and Chief Executive Officer RJ Scaringe.
Rivian has made 22 major software updates to its vehicles since launching at the end of 2021. Bensaid said, adding features like Bird’s Eye View, Camp Mode, and snow mode.
“We own the software stack and control nearly every single computer in the vehicle,” he said.
Read More: Rivian Sees Ongoing Losses as It Boosts EV Production Plans
Bensaid spoke after Rivian told investors it will build about 52,000 vehicles in 2023, up from its previous goal of 50,000. The company makes a pair of consumer vehicles and a battery-electric delivery van for Amazon.com Inc., its biggest shareholder.
Scaringe also talked up the importance of software and electronics
They will be central to the company’s next-generation vehicle called R2.
“I would say that’s among the most important things to own in looking. What a structurally cost-advantaged vehicle manufacturer will look like in the world of today,” he said.
The head of software at Rivian Automotive Inc. unexpectedly joined the company’s Tuesday investor conference call. Promising updates include adaptive battery range tracking and augmented reality “drone mode” operating.
“We believe that our software capabilities are a fundamental differentiation. That will only grow in importance as electric vehicles continue to expand in complexity,” said Wassym Bensaid, senior vice pre
