Rivian plans to build its own LiDAR sensors for next-gen EVs
Electric vehicle maker Rivian is exploring plans to produce its own LiDAR sensors. The company’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, revealed the strategy in a recent interview with Reuters. This move follows Rivian’s push to develop in-house technology, including its own chips, to rival competitors like Tesla. Rivian’s interest in LiDAR comes as it prepares to launch a version of its R2 vehicles later this year, equipped with the sensors. The company is looking at manufacturing these components in the US, but with technology sourced from China. Scaringe indicated that Rivian may form a joint venture or partnership with a Chinese firm to achieve this.
The sensors Rivian requires fall into a ‘low hundreds of dollars’ price range, a market segment dominated by Chinese manufacturers. Leading companies in this space include Hesai and RoboSense, both known for producing small, affordable LiDAR units. Hesai recently unveiled a full-colour LiDAR chip supporting up to 4,320 laser channels, while RoboSense introduced a new digital architecture with a 2,160-channel flagship chip.
Rivian’s push into LiDAR aligns with its broader strategy to bring more technology in-house. Last year, the company launched an initiative to develop its own chips, aiming to reduce reliance on external suppliers and enhance its competitive edge. If Rivian proceeds with its LiDAR plans, it would mark a significant step toward vertical integration. The company’s potential partnership with a Chinese manufacturer could accelerate production while keeping costs low. The sensors are expected to feature in Rivian’s upcoming R2 models, reinforcing its focus on advanced driver-assistance systems.
