In a current announcement, Rivian instructed 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 straightforward to go on journeys. Begin your journey with a full tank, after which when it begins to get low, search for gasoline stations. Each little city alongside the freeway tends to have at the very least one gasoline station, so there’s little threat of getting stranded.

Alternatively, EV route planning presents new challenges, reminiscent of restricted driving vary, much less widespread charging infrastructure, various charging speeds and compatibility, and the necessity to optimize vitality consumption. Elements like elevation modifications, climate situations, and driving type can impression 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 using in a tow truck. Clever route planning makes use of real-time information on charging station places, compatibility, and availability to create optimum routes based mostly on the driving force’s preferences and the automobile’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 site visitors situations, highway closures, and charging station availability permit drivers to regulate their route on-the-go if wanted. Some EV route planning software program may even join straight with the automobile’s onboard techniques, offering seamless navigation and charging station suggestions based mostly on the automobile’s present state of cost.

There are a selection of competing software program packages on the market that may do that. For those who drive a Tesla, nice software program is constructed proper into the automotive. For those who’re like me and drive one other model’s EV, your expertise may be wherever from utilizing unhealthy 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 arduous method that EPA vary means completely nothing on highway journeys, and that not planning for issues like steep hill climbs and freeway speeds may 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 resolution for planning highway journeys. After making an attempt a number of completely different apps and web sites, the one I discovered the be probably the most correct (at the very least in 2018) was A Higher Routeplanner.

Whereas automakers have dropped the ball, ABRP made up for his or her ineptitude. Not solely did it assist practically all EVs, nevertheless it built-in each charging firm information and information from your personal automobile in the event you hyperlink it up through the online or an OBD-II connector (through a Bluetooth dongle). Thus, it has develop into a significant device 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 someone I do know at ABRP. They instructed me that they weren’t promoting to anyone until they dedicated to protecting the software program accessible for all EV drivers, which was a giant aid for me, as a result of the MyChevrolet journey planner is fairly terrible regardless of supposedly studying automobile 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 growth for all EV drivers.” the corporate mentioned.

If something, it appears possible that elevated sources will assist make A Higher Routeplanner higher and extra user-friendly, and will result in it changing 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 mother or father 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 have been shocked on the pace 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 strive it out – the software program assist 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 flexibility to not solely plan journeys within the sprint, however plan them on different units 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 automobiles.

How This Impacts The Future Of The Rivian Journey Community

Along with constructing automobiles, Rivian has one other trick up its sleeve: the Journey Community. The corporate just lately introduced that it is going to be switching to the NACS (Tesla) plug for automobile charging, and this can ultimately embrace the Journey Community stations.

However, one of many nice strengths of Tesla isn’t solely its charging community, however all the information it collects. Whereas Rivian received’t get that form of information from ABRP, it nonetheless offers it beneficial data.

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

So, that is going to be a giant enchancment not just for Rivian and its route planning capabilities, but in addition for all EV drivers who use the Journey Community and ABRP (both straight or via 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.

Certain, different firms may rent workers and construct their very own route planning software program, however that takes numerous money and time simply to proceed to be behind the leaders. Or, they may reap the benefits of not solely what ABRP has constructed, however what Rivian goes to do to make it even higher.