In a latest announcement, Rivian advised the EV world that it purchased a key route planning software program firm: A Higher Routeplanner (ABRP). Earlier than I dig into the announcement, I wish to clarify why EV route planning issues. Then, I’ll get into some essential particulars present ABRP customers will wish to know.

Why Route Planning Software program Is A Key Asset For EV Producers

In a gas-powered automotive, it’s fairly simple to go on journeys. Begin your journey with a full tank, after which when it begins to get low, search for fuel stations. Each little city alongside the freeway tends to have no less than one fuel station, so there’s little danger of getting stranded.

Then again, EV route planning presents new challenges, equivalent to restricted driving vary, much less widespread charging infrastructure, various charging speeds and compatibility, and the necessity to optimize vitality consumption. Components like elevation modifications, climate circumstances, and driving model can influence an EV’s vitality consumption, and drivers should take these under consideration when planning a route.

I don’t find out about you, however I’m not a mathematician. So, I depend on software program to plan my journeys and issue all of this into determining whether or not I’ll get there or get caught charging at an RV park or driving in a tow truck. Clever route planning makes use of real-time information on charging station areas, compatibility, and availability to create optimum routes based mostly on the motive force’s preferences and the car’s specs. Superior algorithms estimate vitality consumption alongside the route, factoring in parts like elevation, climate, and driving habits to assist drivers plan extra successfully.

Good software program goes above and past the fundamentals. Actual-time updates on visitors circumstances, highway closures, and charging station availability enable drivers to regulate their route on-the-go if wanted. Some EV route planning software program may even join immediately with the car’s onboard techniques, offering seamless navigation and charging station suggestions based mostly on the car’s present state of cost.

There are a selection of competing software program packages on the market that may do that. If you happen to drive a Tesla, nice software program is constructed proper into the automotive. If you happen to’re like me and drive one other model’s EV, your expertise could be anyplace from utilizing dangerous software program to not having this software program accessible in any respect.

My first theoretically roadtrip-capable EV was a 2018 Nissan LEAF (with the 40 kWh battery pack that overheats). I discovered the laborious manner that EPA vary means completely nothing on highway journeys, and that not planning for issues like steep hill climbs and freeway speeds could be an sudden vary killer. The bottom mannequin I had (S-trim) didn’t have something however a fundamental bluetooth head unit, and no touchscreen, however even when I had a greater one, journey planning software program is tremendous fundamental.

So, I needed to discover one other answer for planning highway journeys. After attempting a number of completely different apps and web sites, the one I discovered the be probably the most correct (no less than in 2018) was A Higher Routeplanner.

Whereas automakers have dropped the ball, ABRP made up for his or her ineptitude. Not solely did it help almost all EVs, but it surely built-in each charging firm information and information from your personal car in the event you hyperlink it up by way of the net or an OBD-II connector (by way of a Bluetooth dongle). Thus, it has develop into a significant software for a lot of EV house owners.

Rivian Isn’t Going To Take That Away From Anyone

When the rumors began flying, I talked to any individual I do know at ABRP. They advised me that they weren’t promoting to anyone until they dedicated to retaining the software program accessible for all EV drivers, which was an enormous aid for me, as a result of the MyChevrolet journey planner is fairly terrible regardless of supposedly studying car energy utilization information.

When Rivian introduced the acquisition, that was one of many huge issues it reiterated within the announcement. “…we’re dedicated to persevering with its improvement for all EV drivers.” the corporate stated.

If something, it appears seemingly that elevated sources will assist make A Higher Routeplanner higher and extra user-friendly, and will result in it turning into a built-in app for extra producers sooner or later.

They Built-in It Into Rivian’s In-Sprint Software program Fairly Quick

As we’re reported earlier than, ABRP and its mum or dad firm Iternio (additionally bought by Rivian) is already within the enterprise of supporting in-dash integration of its software program. One good instance is its take care of Skoda to do precisely that.

Many had been shocked on the velocity at which Rivian added ABRP’s options into its software program, however given its present experience in that space, it shouldn’t be an enormous shock.

Wow! @RouteBetter already built-in into the @Rivian software program launch that simply hit my truck.

That was quick ⚡️

Can’t wait to attempt it out – the software program help of this truck has set the benchmark within the trade. pic.twitter.com/BzZBVsvxEO

— Kyle Conner (@itskyleconner) June 22, 2023

Like common ABRP, Rivian drivers now have the power to not solely plan journeys within the sprint, however plan them on different gadgets forward of time and save them to their Rivian account for later navigation. So, planning advanced journeys the place charging infrastructure is restricted doesn’t require sitting and doing in of their autos.

How This Impacts The Future Of The Rivian Journey Community

Along with constructing autos, Rivian has one other trick up its sleeve: the Journey Community. The corporate just lately introduced that it will likely be switching to the NACS (Tesla) plug for car charging, and this may finally embody the Journey Community stations.

However, one of many nice strengths of Tesla is just not solely its charging community, however all the information it collects. Whereas Rivian received’t get that form of information from ABRP, it nonetheless provides it invaluable info.

“Past route planning, the info insights on the place there’s inadequate dependable charging will assist us strategically plan the place we prioritize constructing our Rivian Journey Community.” stated RJ Scaringe, Rivian Chief Govt Officer.

So, that is going to be an enormous enchancment not just for Rivian and its route planning capabilities, but additionally for all EV drivers who use the Journey Community and ABRP (both immediately or by means of an organization partnership).

Different Automakers Would Be Sensible To Accomplice With ABRP, Even If Rivian Owns It

Whereas I do know many individuals choose different route planning apps, I personally actually like each the benefit of use and the superior capabilities ABRP already presents.

Positive, different firms might rent employees and construct their very own route planning software program, however that takes a variety of money and time simply to proceed to be behind the leaders. Or, they may make the most of not solely what ABRP has constructed, however what Rivian goes to do to make it even higher.