Hello Rivimotes!
This weekend I headed dow to LA from SF to 1) see my friends but also 2) attend an event at the Rivian Venice Hub where Jeff Hammoud, Rivian's Head of Design, was giving a talk. It was super fun event where I got meet folks who are organizing the Rivian Clubs around the US, hang out with Tony (Rivian's Head of Customer Experience), and show the world that, yes, Reddit moderators do go outside.
The talk itself was super interesting and, as I sit here charging with three other R1Ts somewhere on I5 (an increasingly regular sight), I wanted to make sure I passed along what we learned:
Talk Portion
- Jeff wanted to design vehicles since he was six. He grew up in a small town outside of Ontario. Before Rivian, he worked at Jeep and Chrysler. If any one person is ultimately responsible for Rivian's distinctiveness, it's him.
- When Rivian was thinking about making an adventure vehicle, they didn't just think about outdoor adventures. The term needed to broad and encompass all the kinds of adventures people would take — even in their own neighborhoods. Ikea with children? The ultimate adventure.
- Trucks are getting bigger and scarier, with bigger and bigger grills. Rivian didn't want to try to do the same thing. Instead, they wanted something invitational. Strong, yes, but inviting.
- The design itself wants to feel like the past and present at the same time. Jeff called this "Modern Nostalgia."
- Jeff reiterated that he wanted to make something that didn't feel precious and threw only the tiniest bit of shade at adventure vehicles that are so expensive and lux that you don't want to get them dirty. Rivian wants you to get these trucks messy.
- That's a balance too though, and Jeff pointed out that the vehicles needed to aspirational while also presentational. Rivian needed to strike the right balance.
- The designers still use clay for all those wondering if it's just for show. They also mentioned how critical AR and VR was for design lately too — a fact emphasized by the special VR experience the team had set up for the event.
Q&A
- What was the inspiration for the headlights?
- There wasn't a direct path for the headlights. There were many many iterations and everything from the shape to the placement of them was a process and not something they entered the process with already in mind. The design team avoided things that were "automotive" and, during a brainstorm, a carabiner on the table ultimately is what presented the ovular shape. The place of the headlights up on the light bar itself came from the tie downs. The team realize they needed them for owners to tie down kayaks and the like. When they placed the stadium lights interrupting the light bar, they never moved again and Rivian realized that they had their iconic look.
- How will you capture the same design goodness of the R1 in the R2?
- The form is already captured and the team knows what they'll look like. The recognizable features of the R1 will carry over — specifically the front profile and lights. There will not be a "big swoopy roofline," but he also shared the design will not be derivative of the R1.
- Charger pad. Note: this was not a question lol
- "Yes. We know." There is a minor update coming to stop the slipping and sliding with a bigger update coming later down the road. There was no mention as to whether or not existing owner will be able to update.
- Will the Max Pack change the interior configuration of the vehicle?
- No.
- Any plans for a longer R1T bed size?
- No. Rivian considered it, but they want the vehicle to be manageable too. Extra length is added with the bed being down and is allowed to hold weight because of the unique hinge design. Being a bigger vehicle went against their brand values.
- What was your most iconic Rivian moment?
- LA Auto Show. Jeff shared that he was very nervous about the reveal, mentioning that he didn't know if they had pushed it far enough. He didn't enter the reveal feeling overconfident. With all the lines and textures, Jeff worried if it would be too simple and plain. After the event, he was relieved to hear praise about the restraint the design team employed.
- Are there plans for a six seater or a rear captain seat?
- No.
- How's construction coming along with the GA plant?
- Well! The team has broken ground and are building out the facility knowing what the R2 will be.
- When will Rivian have V2H (Vehicle to Home) charging?
- It already does. Jeff mentioned that this is largely marketing and that most EVs can do this today. The real trick is installing a bidirectional charger. If you have one of those, you can do it today.
- How many Rivian logos are on and in the truck?
- "I won't say. Figure it out." Note: I swear someone got drunk at some point and decided to do this? Can we do that again? I'm curious.
- What's your least favorite customer modification?
- Blacked out headlights. Jeff seemed fairly passionate about this (lol) and asked to not be roasted. He also added that his favorite modification is actually anything people do to attach gear to the racks.
- Will Rivian ever have a satin paint?
- No, it goes against Rivian as an adventure vehicle. Satin paint is extremely hard to maintain.
- Is there a roadmap for Driver+?
- "I'm the wrong guy to answer that."
I made Tony take a selfie with me.
One other thing I wanted to mention was that, when I chatted with Jeff 1:1, I really got the impression that there is a lot of trust between him and RJ. It's clear that Jeff was able to design something he truly loved and that RJ was encouraging of him throughout the process. That sat really well with me and I appreciated that Rivian seems to let creatives and experts do their thing.
If I met you at the event, please reach out! You can shoot me a DM here or comment. I know it's Reddit and we like to be anonymous blah blah but it was genuinely so nice to meet you all! Thanks for hanging out with me :)
Hope this was interesting! Let me know if you have any more questions about the event or if there's anything I can pass along to Rivian!