Rivian Faces A Class Action Lawsuit Over Self-Driving In Its Early Vehicles

Rivian has been sued over allegations that it made misleading statements about the self-driving capabilities of its R1T truck and R1S SUV.

According to a class action complaint brought by Rivian customers, the first generation models of these vehicles are not able to offer the self-driving capability that the company promised. The plaintiffs argued that Rivian represented that those early models would be capable of Level 3 autonomous driving, meaning the vehicle would be able to steer, accelerate and brake without driver action.

“In fact, Rivian has designed its Gen 1 vehicles without the hardware, cameras, sensors, and computers required to enable hands-free driving and/or Level 3 autonomous operation,” the complaint states. “No software update – no matter how sophisticated – will enable its Gen 1 vehicles to perform as advertised. Rivian unquestionably knew that its Gen 1 vehicles would never be capable of Level 3 autonomy or ‘true hands-free driving,’ yet continued to promote the purported capabilities of its vehicles to induce consumers to purchase them.”

Rivian introduced its “universal hands-free driving” software update late last year. This technology was made available for the company’s R2 collection of electric vehicles and the second generation of its R1 lineup.

when contacted techcrunchRivian declined to comment on the pending case.