August 13, 2024

Rivian Launches Connect+ Streaming and Connectivity Service: What You Need To Know

Rivian has formally launched its Connect+ service, which provides cellular internet connectivity to the company's electric vehicles. Rivian announced the launch of the service in a post on its Stories page. 

Here is a quick overview of Rivian's Connect+ — what it does, its upcoming features, how much it costs, and how it stacks up against comparable services from other automakers.

What is Connect+?

Rivian's Connect+ is a streaming and connectivity service. With an annual or monthly subscription, Rivian owners would be able to access music, audio, and video streaming services directly from their vehicles' infotainment system. 

Connect+ also provides a number of enhanced connectivity features, such as vehicle hotspot, which could support up to eight devices. Drivers are also able to view satellite images using their vehicles' onscreen navigation and use Alexa Connected commands with Connect+. 

What do I get with Connect+?

As per Rivian's blog post, Connect+ offers a dedicated Apple Music app that was created specifically for the company's vehicles. The service also allows drivers to access Audible's industry-leading audiobook catalog from their Rivian's infotainment display. Of course, Connect+ retains the capacity to stream previously integrated apps such as Spotify, Tidal, and TuneIn.  

Connect+ is bound to get better over time, and Rivian has provided a teaser of some upcoming features that the service is expected to receive. These include Google Cast and YouTube experiences, which would allow drivers to cast videos from their smartphone to their Rivians. Connect+ will also be a requirement for Gear Guard's upcoming Live Cam function. 

How do I get Connect+?

To introduce the new service, Rivian is automatically providing all its customers with 2 months of free Connect+. After this 2-month trial period, drivers could subscribe to Connect+ for either $14.99 per month or $149.99 annually. With the annual plan, Connect+'s monthly fees are reduced to just about $12.50, which is very reasonable considering the convenience features offered by the service. 

What happens if I do not get Connect+?

Customers who do not wish to subscribe to Connect+ will be covered by Rivian's Standard Connectivity plan. The Standard Connectivity plan does not include any streaming services, but it still includes regular over-the-air software updates, live navigation, remote key vehicle commands, phone as a key functions, Alexa Basic vehicle commands, and tethering features. 

How does Connect+ stack up against comparable services from other automakers? 

Connect+ is reasonably priced based on what it offers. For comparison, General Motors' Connected Services Plans can range from $14.99 for the Remote Access plan to $59.99 a month for the top-tier Unlimited Access + Safety and Security plan. Fellow electric vehicle maker Tesla offers Premium Connectivity at $9.99 a month or $99 annually, which is more affordable but lacks Connect+'s hotspot feature. 

Check out Rivian's official social media announcement of Connect+ on X. 

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Written by Teslarati Maria Merano