Rivian Makes Strategic Acquisition
Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIVN), has made a significant stride in the electric vehicle (EV) industry with the acquisition of Swedish mapping company Iternio, the developer of the ‘A Better Routeplanner’ (ABRP) app. ABRP, a leader in EV trip planning, has a robust community of EV drivers in North America and Europe, offering them the ability to plan and compare routes and charging stop options.
Rivian and Iternio: A Partnership for the Future
Rivian and Iternio plan to continue maintaining and improving ABRP as a standalone app, catering to drivers of any EV. The partnership aims to integrate ABRP’s technology into Rivian’s in-vehicle navigation system and the newly available trip planning experience in the Rivian mobile app. This integration will enable Rivian drivers to plan their next adventure with confidence, backed by the power of ABRP.
Rivian Upcoming Release: Enhanced Trip Planning
Rivian’s upcoming release, powered by ABRP, will introduce trip preferences, including preferences for charging networks and range on arrival. This means Rivian drivers can rest assured that they will not only reach their destination but also have enough charge to explore when they get there.
A Statement from the CEO on Rivian Vision
RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO of Rivian, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating:
“A Better Routeplanner leads the way in EV trip planning and is an important platform for driving EV adoption, which is why it’s so important for us to keep the platform open for all. We will also be integrating ABRP’s capabilities into our upcoming trip planning release, giving Rivian drivers the ability to chart out detailed trips that include key aspects of EV ownership, such as when to charge, for how long, and adjusting how many miles of range they’d like when arriving at their destination.
Beyond route planning, the data insights on where there is insufficient reliable charging will help us strategically plan where we prioritize building our Rivian Adventure Network.”
The Impact of the Acquisition
The acquisition of A Better Routeplanner is not just a win for Rivian, but for the entire EV community. By integrating ABRP’s capabilities into Rivian’s in-vehicle navigation system and mobile app, Rivian is setting a new standard for EV trip planning. This move will likely inspire other EV manufacturers to follow suit, leading to industry-wide improvements in EV trip planning.
A New Era for EV Trip Planning
The acquisition of A Better Routeplanner by Rivian marks a new era in EV trip planning. It promises to bring about a seamless, integrated, and enhanced trip planning experience for Rivian owners and all EV drivers. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the EV community. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
