UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan
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Great for you. Tell Rivian. I am not the manager there.
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SLesherInCFL
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My wife is the same and feels more comfortable with a physical “key” so she was excited to see that Rivian has one. We pickup a ‘25 R1S on 8/5 and I asked our advisor about them and he stated that he believes they will be out by the end of the year.
R1Thor
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The argument that a physical key FOB is superior due to the existence of tech is silly.
Especially when vehicle tech (in general) has vastly improved and evolved. And you're looking to adopt said new tech, but somehow want to insist old tech is still better?
HOPEFULLY it's gotten better, but mine depletes the battery in about 4-6 months to the point where I keep it in an ESD/RFID bag 95% of the time and only take the FOB out when I hand it over to the Detailer or Tire shop. I've owned the vehicle 16 months and am on the 3rd battery.
The reality is: your FOB continuously communicates with the vehicle when in range. If you're parked at home and have the FOB at home, you're in range.
It's not like our Subaru or Volvo key fobs, where I think I replaced the batteries maybe once in 6 years of ownership...
So, I would actually dispute your assumption with the fact that Rivian's FOB is NOT better for this. In fact, I had, on one occasion, the NECESSITY to hand over the key card to my friendly neighborhood detailer BECAUSE the FOB was (appeared to be working) at home and by the time I got to the shop, the battery had depleted enough threshold of battery that the tech came back out and asked me if I had another way to unlock the vehicle because the fob wasn't... I now keep a spare coin cell in my center console, but... we're just splitting hairs at this point.
Especially when vehicle tech (in general) has vastly improved and evolved. And you're looking to adopt said new tech, but somehow want to insist old tech is still better?
HOPEFULLY it's gotten better, but mine depletes the battery in about 4-6 months to the point where I keep it in an ESD/RFID bag 95% of the time and only take the FOB out when I hand it over to the Detailer or Tire shop. I've owned the vehicle 16 months and am on the 3rd battery.
The reality is: your FOB continuously communicates with the vehicle when in range. If you're parked at home and have the FOB at home, you're in range.
It's not like our Subaru or Volvo key fobs, where I think I replaced the batteries maybe once in 6 years of ownership...
So, I would actually dispute your assumption with the fact that Rivian's FOB is NOT better for this. In fact, I had, on one occasion, the NECESSITY to hand over the key card to my friendly neighborhood detailer BECAUSE the FOB was (appeared to be working) at home and by the time I got to the shop, the battery had depleted enough threshold of battery that the tech came back out and asked me if I had another way to unlock the vehicle because the fob wasn't... I now keep a spare coin cell in my center console, but... we're just splitting hairs at this point.
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Davethadog
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Yeah I don’t understand how it’s so much worse than everyone else’s key. Mine even when the battery is good doesn’t communicate with the car unless I’m almost right on it. I have had my polestar for 3 years and my ram for 5 and never once replaced the battery in either yet they work well. I recall a conversation with an engineer during the early days of gen 1 who said the issue with the key is because of the design of the fob surround itself and the interference the metal causes. I get that opportunities to learn something you didn’t want to know happen in design and manufacturing, but IMO the way to sort it out is not to rely on other okayish methods entirely and quietly phase out the problematic one.
NY_Rob
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I've had my R1T for 18 months now and never a single issue wit the fob.. till about 2 wks ago when I went to the hardware store for some small items. When I went back out to the R1T the vehicle refused to open no matter where I placed the fob and pressed the unlock button. Fortunately I do carry the key card in my wallet and that worked first try. Funny thing is... as soon as we got home I tried the fob and it worked perfectly again and the R1T indicated the fob battery was at full strength.
NY_Rob
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When we go out in the boat... I wear the wristband.Key card is the only thing that survives for me.
R1Thor
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INTERESTING theory.
I 3d printed a new surround (to remove the carabiner, and just have a small keyring loop). I wonder if my battery might last a tad longer now.
I won't have results for months, but it'd be interesting if it improved!
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UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan
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Obviously not thinking
BearMan123
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I completely agree with the author that started the thread. Phone goes dead or I leave it somewhere. Left my wallet at home to boot. For my BMW ix, also with proximity opening, I always keep the hard key in my backpack (and have needed it on a few occasions).
The good news—according to higher up Rivian folks I have been chatting with, the new key fob will be released shortly as it had to be re-designed for Ultra-wide band/wifi and will be available on the Gear Shop and they can remotely program now with a code once you receive. I asked the individual to take it “upstairs” and see if they can provide at least one fob for free. Fret not—on the way. By early fall is the estimate. I’ll keep you posted as to information from my inside contact at corporate.
The good news—according to higher up Rivian folks I have been chatting with, the new key fob will be released shortly as it had to be re-designed for Ultra-wide band/wifi and will be available on the Gear Shop and they can remotely program now with a code once you receive. I asked the individual to take it “upstairs” and see if they can provide at least one fob for free. Fret not—on the way. By early fall is the estimate. I’ll keep you posted as to information from my inside contact at corporate.
Gyrosntzatziki
Member
I have the Gen 2 and this is my first Rivian (all other cars are German). I can wholeheartedly say the Phone/Key unlock/lock situation is a nightmare. Proximity locking is way too wide of a range (why does it need to be 20+ feet?!). So if your garage is attached to your home you will constantly be locking and unlocking the vehicle. I have turned it off, but now to unlock my car I need to take my phone out of my pocket and wake it up to unlock the car. Sometimes that doesn't work so I need to open up my Rivian app and press the unlock Botton. Sometimes the app while randomly unpair my phone as a key. So then I need to force reset the car and re-pair my phone. Also with the latest update (the touch handle to unlock) is not working for me.... I am taking the car in on the 17th to get it looked at (have a list or 4-5 issues with that car after owning in for 2 weeks) and will report back.
I yearn for the days (2 weeks ago) when I had a normal key fob....
I yearn for the days (2 weeks ago) when I had a normal key fob....
Davethadog
Well-Known Member
I’m sorry you are also experiencing the shitshow that is the key access situation but I feel vindicated in my assessment. This does sound like the early days of the gen 1s so hopefully software will sort it out but it should neve have been this complicated in the first place.
Maybe that jerk will chime in here too and tell you that your concerns are the worst drivel that he’s read this week. That’ll fix it.
mpshizzle
Well-Known Member
At least one of your issues can be solved with a settings change - you can set proximity lock to either only lock, but not unlock - or be completely off when you're at home. This solves exactly the situation you're describing where it is constantly locking/unlocking in the garage. It will continue to function as normal away from home
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