Rivian R2 gets live Pet Cam in update, AI assistant, and more

This is car news, not a home energy story, but here's the gist: Rivian has rolled out a software update, 2026.36, that adds a "Pet Cam" feature to its R2 electric SUV. It lets owners check on a pet left in the vehicle through a live video feed from the cabin camera, viewable in the Rivian phone app. The app also shows periodic still images of the cabin, with the temperature displayed, right on your phone's lock screen, so you can glance at your dog without opening the app. Anyone in the car can shut off the live stream with one tap on the dashboard screen.

The R1T and R1S models don't get Pet Cam, since they lack the needed camera, but they do get new remote controls for Pet Mode, the climate setting that keeps the cabin cool or warm for a pet left inside. Previously you had to turn this on before leaving the vehicle; now you can turn it on or off remotely from the app. Note that the live camera feature requires Rivian's paid Connect+ subscription, which costs $14.99 a month or $149.99 a year, and streaming is capped at one hour per day.

The same update brings Rivian's voice assistant, "Hey Rivian," to the R2, letting drivers control climate, navigation, and media, or ask questions, by voice. None of this affects home energy upgrades or rebates, but if you're charging an EV at home, pairing it with rooftop solar can lower your charging costs.