Rivian: LiDAR R2 reaches customers in 2027, employees get it this year (electrek.co)

Rivian has announced that its R2 vehicles equipped with LiDAR and the new RAP1 autonomy computer will be delivered first to employees by the end of 2026, with paying customers slated to receive them in 2027. This timeline marks a shift from previous expectations and highlights potential delays, igniting discussions within the AI and automotive communities. Rivian’s VP of Investor Relations, Chip Newcom, revealed that while LiDAR integration is scheduled for employees soon, customer deliveries are less certain, causing some speculation about the wait for broader market access. The incorporation of LiDAR, which Rivian now estimates costs merely "a few hundred dollars," signifies a substantial reduction in expenses compared to previous years, making advanced autonomous driving more financially feasible. The RAP1 chip, boasting a performance of 1,600 sparse INT8 TOPS, further enhances Rivian's technological capabilities. Additionally, Rivian plans to roll out point-to-point driving capabilities to existing R1 vehicles by the end of the year, underscoring a strategic decision to leverage current hardware rather than postpone advancements. This approach aims to accelerate Rivian's competitive edge in the autonomous vehicle market as it continues toward its ambitious Uber robotaxi partnership expected to materialize by late 2028.