+1. Yeah, fwiw, I started off with usb-c to barrel connector and I got random restarts. After I switched to the OBDII approach that went away entirely.
EV Routing is based on the OEM app on the phone registering with iOS. I have the Porsche app on my iPhone for my wife's hybrid and it registers as an available EV to Apple Maps. So once again this would be very easy for Rivian to add to their iOS app.
I did do that by not purchasing the R1S. I was an early 2019 reservation holder for 2 R1S vehicles and when my reservation window came up in March 2023 I canceled my reservations and gave up the launch addition pricing and told them it was because of lack of CarPlay support. With 85K reservations on the backlog I don't think this will get any attention till the backlog is dried up.
Tesla has tried and failed (IMO) to implement voice to text. Rivian says they are working to add it, but it’s so bad in Tesla, I have zero faith Rivian can be successful. I don’t understand why Tesla and Rivian insist on wasting so many development hours on reinventing the wheel, and failing at it to boot. Anyway, my main gripe with Teslas text integration was the lack of being able to handle group texting. I have a ton of group texts and the inability to handle those is a dealbreaker. I don’t think current Bluetooth protocol used can even do it, so I don’t know if that’d ever be something they can succeed with.
I tried that one and found the same issues with bluetooth and also the look of the installation so I returned it. I went with the one from EV Sportline and it is 1000 times better. The installation took less than 10 minutes (I do have a 12v lighter under my center dash area) and it works like a charm. The audio is amazing. Their support at EV Sportline is excellent and the price is $259. Well worth it, if you, like I wanted/needed apple car play due to how crappy the Rivian Navigation system is. You are right they think they can do the software better. I live in that world and it's a pipe dream to think it will come out any time soon. Here's the link: https://evsportline.com/collections...-carplay-smart-dash-screen-for-rivian-r1t-r1sAs we all know, Rivian in their infinite wisdom believes they can build a better software experience than Apple or Google for in-car infotainment. As an owner I can now definitively say at this moment and for the foreseeable future that is not true. They simply lack the market presence and development resources to target all of the possible media and navigation applications their customers want to use. I know I am not alone in this analysis, and like many I am constantly petitioning Rivian to add CarPlay and Android Auto support. However, I'm not waiting around crossing my fingers for it to happen.
I purchased and installed the RoadTop 8.8" display. It is a Linux-based standalone and portable media unit typically used to add modern features to older vehicles, or in this case a brand-new, modern truck built by a new company with too much hubris. It has a wide screen display, which I prefer over the typical 4:3 units. It supports both CarPlay and Android Auto, wired via USB-A or wireless. It can connect to the vehicle's sound system using three different methods: an aux jack, an FM transmitter, or a bluetooth connection. It is powered by 12V. The design is better than most, though not perfect. The bezels are large, and it has a bit of a "chin" like an iMac. The screen resolution is also low (1280 x 480), but it's readable. The price is reasonable in my opinion at $290 shipped. It does come with a camera which is a waste in this application. It would be nice to see a SKU without it for a lower price.
Setup and installation was simple and straightforward. I mounted the screen above the existing Rivian infotainment using the included suction mount with boom arm. I then ran the power cable to the 12V port beneath the center air vents and powered on the screen. I removed the Rivian Audio connection from my iPhone and connected the iPhone via bluetooth to the RoadTop unit. It prompted me to start CarPlay, and within seconds it was up and running. I then connected the RoadTop as a bluetooth device to the Rivian infotainment and set the output appropriately. Boom, wireless CarPlay in a Rivian.
The 12V power is tied to the lock state of the truck. If the truck is unlocked, the unit powers on. If it's locked it powers down. Startup time is relatively quick (~8 seconds from power up), and it can be set to boot directly into CarPlay. It's responsive, and the audio quality sounds comparable to the direct bluetooth connection to the Rivian infotainment. It also supports screen mirroring via AirPlay or MirrorLink, which is a nice touch. When parked you can easily stream video from your phone.
The only big issue I've had is occasional choppiness with the bluetooth connection from the RoadTop to the Rivian. I know the problem lies here because other outputs work fine. It's intermittent, and reconnecting often fixes the issue. I asked RoadTop support about this. They sent me a firmware update to try, but I can't seem to get it to install. I'm waiting on a follow-up from them now.
And now I'll attempt to preempt many of the comments...
Why not just use a phone mount?
I prefer the CarPlay interface when driving. The whole point of CarPlay was to prevent phone use while driving. I also don't like putting my phone in a dedicated spot every time I get in a car. If a phone mount works for you, great! I just wanted to show an alternative.
What if Rivian adds CarPlay in the future?
Fantastic, I welcome that. Obviously this solution is not ideal. Nothing would make me happier than seeing them come to their senses on phone integration.
This looks dumb. Do you really need CarPlay this bad?
Look, I don't love having to resort to this. I agree it's not beautiful or elegant. The power cord and mount are not pleasing to look at. Having yet another screen in the truck is redundant. But ultimately I will sacrifice aesthetic for function. The native infotainment does not serve me well. CarPlay does. If you're happy with the system in its current state, good for you. For those of us who aren't this is an option.
DO you still use this?A brief update on a Carplay option that seems to work well.
I purchased a Kindle Fire 8 plus, installed AutoKit, connected the wireless adapter, and used a couple of suction mounts to mount the kindle under the center console vent. It all works and the audio quality on the phone and media playback is solid.
- threaded adapter
- 3" threaded suction mounts x 2
- USB 2.0 A Male to 2 Dual USB Female Jack Y Splitter
- Refurbished Kindle Fire 8 Plus
- Wireless carplay adapter
Steps:
1. Download the autokit software to the kindle from here: AutoKit APK You will have to change security settings on the kindle to allow you to install this "unknown developer" software. The autokit software enables you to connect to the Carplay software from your phone wirelessly
2. connect the wireless dongle to the kindle
3. remove your phone from the Bluetooth devices in the Rivian Bluetooth settings. Don't delete all the Rivian connections on your phone, this is just for the audio one
4. Search for Autobox in your phone's Bluetooth devices and add it. You will probably get prompted to use it as a Carplay connection, say yes to this
5. Add your fire to the Bluetooth devices in the Rivian BT settings
6. To launch Carplay, click on the Autokit icon on your kindle and it will start the process
7. It can take a minute for the connections to line up, when it powers on, the wireless adapter has to boot up and connect to the autokit software on the kindle and the BT on your phone.
8. I used the suction cups and the threaded adapter to connect the kindle to my desired location. You just have to watch out that the cupholder won't hit it.
I'm also working on a raspberry pi version that will use this 8" touch display. It works, just waiting on a 3D printer to print a custom back for it so that it will mount properly on the dash just above the main display. I'll post that when I have it.
