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Google Maps Glitch Has Some Rivians Rebooting Every Day

  • Rivian added Google Maps features, but users are now reporting GPS glitches.
  • Several owners say their navigation freezes unless they perform soft resets.
  • The issue appears to affect some Rivian models but not all updated vehicles.

A recent software update intended to improve Rivian’s navigation system has instead sparked frustration among some owners. Last month, the company rolled out an upgrade that brought Google Maps integration to its in-built navigation, including features like Google Places and real-time data on lane closures and accidents reported by the Google Maps community.

However, some Rivian owners have begun reporting that following the update, their GPS systems frequently freeze, leading to concerns that the rollout may have been a bit rushed by the carmaker.

Some Owners Affected, Others Not

Several Rivian owners have taken to Reddit to detail their experiences with the system. According to the original poster, their GPS has been freezing every other day after the Google Maps update. The only way to fix it is to perform a soft reset of the infotainment system, which can be done by holding down the far left and far right buttons on the steering wheel for roughly 15 seconds.

Read: Rivian’s Lawsuit Exposes The Car Industry’s Most Absurd Barrier

Multiple users have confirmed the same issue, reporting that a soft reset is the only way to get the navigation back on track. Interestingly, the glitch doesn’t appear to affect all Rivians. Owners of newer Gen2 R1S and R1T models say the updated system with Google integration works without problems. A few drivers of earlier Gen1 vehicles also reported no issues post-update.

 Google Maps Glitch Has Some Rivians Rebooting Every Day

In one case, an owner said the navigation tab on their infotainment display becomes unresponsive every two to three days and must be reset. Even when it does work, it keeps thinking their current location is at home, even if it’s not. Another R1S owner on the Reddit thread says they haven’t experienced any freezing issues, but the system’s search function no longer works.

Temporary Fixes While Rivian Investigates

In all likelihood, a software issue is to blame for the bug, and if Rivian is aware of the fault, it may already be developing a fix. Carscoops has reached out to the carmaker for a comment. In the meantime, owners dealing with the bug may have to continue resetting their systems every few days.

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Rivian EVs Just Got Smarter But Apple Users Won’t Be Happy About It

  • The new navigation system combines the best elements of Rivian’s system with Google Maps.
  • This new system includes information about roughly 250 million locations around the world.
  • Rivian’s mapping can curate charging stops and provide real-time data on charging networks.

For years, Rivian has gone it alone with its infotainment system, refusing to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, much like Tesla. However, things are changing. Kind of. As of Tuesday this week, new Rivian models will come with a new and improved in-built navigation system using Google Maps technology.

Read: This CEO Just Called Out The Biggest Threat To EVs And It’s Not Trump

The update is not quite Android Auto, but it’s a step in the right direction. The news is not so good for iPhone users accustomed to using Apple Maps, however, and they’ll just have to get used to using Google.

Google Maps at the Core

Rivian says it has worked directly with Google to create a navigation system specifically designed to support its EVs. Thanks to Google, the new system includes real-time traffic and place information. It also supports reports made by the Google Maps community for updates like lane closures and accidents. Google Places has now also been incorporated, providing Rivian owners with information about roughly 250 million locations around the world, including details like opening hours, contact information, and reviews.

Importantly, the system retains all of Rivian’s in-built navigation features. These include the ‘range on arrival’ function that provides accurate range information depending on an owner’s driving style and whether they are using accessories, like a trailer. All Rivian models can also curate charging stops for the fastest-possible trip and will provide real-time data for compatible charging networks, including Tesla Superchargers and the Rivian Adventure Network.

Updates Beyond the Dashboard

All updates made to the infotainment systems of the R1T and R1S will be incorporated into the Rivian mobile app, making it easier for owners to manage navigation and settings remotely.

This isn’t the first time Rivian has rolled out a new Google feature to its vehicles. Late last year, it announced that it would add Google Cast. It’s unlikely that any kind of Apple CarPlay support will be added in the future, even though Rivian’s system does include Apple Music. By keeping its infotainment software in-house, Rivian says is able to better tailor the experience to suit its customers.

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