Summary from Venice Hub Event with Jeff Hammoud, Rivian’s Head of Design

[DuoRivians]

Posted by Carter Gee from attending a Venice Hub event with Jeff Hammoud, Rivian’s Head of Design. Fantastic write up!




[Event Summary] Head of Design Talk at Venice Hub

Hello Rivimotes!

This weekend I headed dow to LA from SF to 1) see my friends but also 2) attend an event at the Rivian Venice Hub where Jeff Hammoud, Rivian's Head of Design, was giving a talk. It was super fun event where I got meet folks who are organizing the Rivian Clubs around the US, hang out with Tony (Rivian's Head of Customer Experience), and show the world that, yes, Reddit moderators do go outside.

The talk itself was super interesting and, as I sit here charging with three other R1Ts somewhere on I5 (an increasingly regular sight), I wanted to make sure I passed along what we learned:

Talk Portion

• Jeff wanted to design vehicles since he was six. He grew up in a small town outside of Ontario. Before Rivian, he worked at Jeep and Chrysler. If any one person is ultimately responsible for Rivian's distinctiveness, it's him.
• When Rivian was thinking about making an adventure vehicle, they didn't just think about outdoor adventures. The term needed to broad and encompass all the kinds of adventures people would take — even in their own neighborhoods. Ikea with children? The ultimate adventure.
• Trucks are getting bigger and scarier, with bigger and bigger grills. Rivian didn't want to try to do the same thing. Instead, they wanted something invitational. Strong, yes, but inviting.
• The design itself wants to feel like the past and present at the same time. Jeff called this "Modern Nostalgia."
• Jeff reiterated that he wanted to make something that didn't feel precious and threw only the tiniest bit of shade at adventure vehicles that are so expensive and lux that you don't want to get them dirty. Rivian wants you to get these trucks messy.
• That's a balance too though, and Jeff pointed out that the vehicles needed to aspirational while also presentational. Rivian needed to strike the right balance.
• The designers still use clay for all those wondering if it's just for show. They also mentioned how critical AR and VR was for design lately too — a fact emphasized by the special VR experience the team had set up for the event.

Q&A

• What was the inspiration for the headlights?
  • There wasn't a direct path for the headlights. There were many many iterations and everything from the shape to the placement of them was a process and nothing something they entered the process with already in mind. The design team avoided things that were "automotive" and, during a brainstorm, a carabiner on the table ultimately is what presented the ovular shape. The place of the headlights up on the light bar itself came from the tie downs. The team realize they needed them for owners to tie down kayaks and the like. When they placed the stadium lights interrupting the light bar, they never moved again and Rivian realized that they had their iconic look.
• How will you capture the same design goodness of the R1 in the R2?
  • The form is already captured and the team knows what they'll look like. The recognizable features of the R1 will carry over — specifically the front profile and lights. There will not be a "big swoopy roofline," but he also shared the design will not be derivative of the R1.
• Charger pad. Note: this was not a question lol
  • "Yes. We know." There is a minor update coming to stop the slipping and sliding with a bigger update coming later down the road. There was no mention as to whether or not existing owner will be able to update.
• Will the Max Pack change the interior configuration of the vehicle?
  • No.
• Any plans for a longer R1T bed size?
  • No. Rivian considered it, but they want the vehicle to be manageable too. Extra length is added with the bed being down and is allowed to hold weight because of the unique hinge design. Being a bigger vehicle went against their brand values.
• What was your most iconic Rivian moment?
  • LA Auto Show. Jeff shared that he was very nervous about the reveal, mentioning that he didn't know if they had pushed it far enough. He didn't enter the reveal feeling overconfident. With all the lines and textures, Jeff worried if it would be too simple and plain. After the event, he was relieved to hear praise about the restraint the design team employed.
• Are there plans for a six seater or a rear captain seat?
  • No.
• How's construction coming along with the GA plant?
  • Well! The team has broken ground and are building out the facility knowing what the R2 will be.
• When will Rivian have V2H (Vehicle to Home) charging?
  • It already does. Jeff mentioned that this is largely marketing and that most EVs can do this today. The real trick is installing a bidirectional charger. If you have one of those, you can do it today.
• How many Rivian logos are on and in the truck?
  • "I won't say. Figure it out." Note: I swear someone got drunk at some point and decided to do this? Can we do that again? I'm curious.
• What's your least favorite customer modification?
  • Blacked out headlights. Jeff seemed fairly passionate about this (lol) and asked to not be roasted. He also added that his favorite modification is actually anything people do to attach gear to the racks.
• Will Rivian ever have a satin paint?
  • No, it goes against Rivian as an adventure vehicle. Satin paint is extremely hard to maintain.
• Is there a roadmap for Driver+?
  • "I'm the wrong guy to answer that."

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[SSteveEV]

Thanks for posting.

Waaiittt we have V2H already?? I heard it was possible with current hardware but missed that it was actually doable without further Rivian input.
Is he serious about that, I just need to go find the right charger?

 

[crashmtb]

something got lost in translation from Canadian to American…Pretty sure Guelph isn’t a small town outside of Ontario ?

 

[Riviot]

What's a Rivimote?

 

[MoreTrout]

I'm calling BS on the V2H answer. Maybe misquoted or misunderstood. Someone would have already had it up and working if it could be done already.

 

[Deacon]

Thanks for posting.

Waaiittt we have V2H already?? I heard it was possible with current hardware but missed that it was actually doable without further Rivian input.
Is he serious about that, I just need to go find the right charger?

We need more info on the V2H charging.

 

[Rob O]

Good luck counting all these as part of the answer to “how many logos?”!!

 

[crashmtb]

I'm calling BS on the V2H answer. Maybe misquoted or misunderstood. Someone would have already had it up and working if it could be done already.

RJ Scaringe hisself said the vehicle was capable of it, as of 2021. Just needs appropriate EVSE/cable.

 

[HaveBlue]

Maybe they need to rethink the messy part considering how much dirt goes into the battery compartment from the tailgate and much it costs to try to fix bed damage

 

[COdogman]

Do I have to be a Rivimote?

 

[MoreTrout]

RJ Scaringe hisself said the vehicle was capable of it, as of 2021. Just needs appropriate EVSE/cable.

I know he did and I know it is. The issue isn't whether or not it has the hardware to do it. The claim is that anyone with a bidirectional charger could do it right now. I haven't seen a single person post about successfully using the charging port to power their home.

But he may be right that there just aren't any bidirectional chargers available yet. Google/Amazon searches don't help because despite the all knowing AI touted by anyone willing to open their mouth, the search engines apparently don't know the difference between unidirectional and bidirectional charging. I know Enphase isn't due to release theirs until 2024, and Emporia is later this year or 2024 last I checked. I know Ford sells one for the Lightning, but considering the number of owners of both trucks just on these forums, if it worked with a Rivian chances are we would have seen that by now. So I'm assuming it only works with the Lightning.

So the question is, when all of these bidirectional chargers hit the market, is he correct in saying the Rivian can be used as is today to send energy to any of them through the charging port?

 

[Hillbilly]

Satin paint was bad question. I'd rather have a bedliner exterior paint option. It'd be much easier to apply at the factory.

 

[Budman]

Any plans for a longer R1T bed size?

• No. Rivian considered it, but they want the vehicle to be manageable too. Extra length is added with the bed being down and is allowed to hold weight because of the unique hinge design. Being a bigger vehicle went against their brand values.

The only reason I’m a Rivian owner is this. A full size pickup is just too big for me and most suburbanites. Rivian is just right.

 

[Jodys18]

Did anyone ask when the manual tonneau cover will come to the gear shop? Apparently the recent deliveries of the cover were a mistake.

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