Rivian is working on new technology to enhance the agility of its electric vehicles.

Rivian is working on new technology to enhance the agility of its electric vehicles.

      Joel Feder

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      While the automaker remains tight-lipped about future products, there’s currently a job listing available online that hints at what's to come.

      According to the team at RivianForums, Rivian is looking for a Senior Mechanical Design & Release Engineer focused on steering systems. The job listing itself isn’t particularly surprising, as Rivian is a startup actively hiring to develop its future products. However, the listing mentions two intriguing features not currently found in the R1T or R1S: steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering.

      Steer-by-wire eliminates the mechanical linkage between the steering mechanism and the wheels, which reduces weight and production costs but introduces additional development challenges. The Tesla Cybertruck also employs steer-by-wire, among other advanced features.

      The job listing for Sr. Mechanical Design & Release Engineer, Steering

      Rear-wheel steering would allow a Rivian vehicle to have a smaller turning radius, enhancing maneuverability in parking lots, navigating cloverleaf interchanges, and executing tighter turns off-road. This feature, seen in models like the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and several high-end luxury cars, could make the larger R1T and R1S appear more compact during driving.

      A Rivian representative told The Drive, “We cannot comment on any speculation about future products.” But who is speculating? Rivian has made this information public through a job listing.

      The Rivian R1S and R1T received significant updates for 2025, although they might not appear drastically different. The second-generation Quad is expected for 2026. It seems unlikely that rear-wheel steering or steer-by-wire will be implemented until the next major update, likely around 2028.

      However, it’s feasible that steer-by-wire could feature in the smaller R2 model, set for release in 2026 at an estimated price of $45,000. Incorporating steer-by-wire could lower production costs, despite the increased complexity in development.

      In any case, while it's uncertain when these technologies will make their debut in a Rivian vehicle, it’s evident they are part of the roadmap. If you're seeking a job, possess engineering expertise, and have a proven track record, Rivian may be interested in speaking with you.

      Have insider information about future products through a job listing? We want to hear from you at [email protected].

Rivian is working on new technology to enhance the agility of its electric vehicles. Rivian is working on new technology to enhance the agility of its electric vehicles.

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Rivian is working on new technology to enhance the agility of its electric vehicles.

Rivian inadvertently verified that steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering are included in its future plans.