Swedish EV app maker Internio is now a part of Rivian as the automaker aims to improve its product. The mapping and route planning software included takes far more into account than just range and location. Rivian plans to keep the A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) app available to the public moving forward.
ABRP is well regarded in the EV community as a standalone third-party app focused on helping drivers determine where they’ll charge during their journey.
The system employs robust software that takes into account various factors such as weather conditions, vehicle weight, charging stops, and more to optimize the route. Internio operates in two distinct business lines, namely ABRP and another segment where it offers data services to other companies. Up until now, it had no direct affiliation with any automaker. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe revealed to Reuters that the deal was finalized in the first quarter, although the exact value was not disclosed.
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The R1T and R1S automaker plans to integrate the software from ABRP into both its current vehicles and future ones too. According to CEO RJ Scaringe, the data it gets from the app will also help it plan future charging station locations.
“The data that comes off of having a very active user base allows us to be very intentional as to how we build out a charging infrastructure,” Scaringe said. He also says that ABRP will remain available to non-Rivian owners and that the brand will continue to develop it.
Why not privatize the software and data so that other EV automakers can’t benefit from its powerful ability? Scaringe says it comes down to the betterment of all. “Solving broad-scale adoption of electrification requires a level of collaboration, particularly on charging, that’s not typical for automotive,” he said.
There’s currently no word on exactly when and how Rivian customers will notice the influence of Internio. The software will ultimately make its way into the onboard navigation system in Rivian vehicles and into the Rivian mobile app at some point.
