--- title: "Rivian Adds Soft Sand Mode with Low Regen and High Power Settings" description: "Rivian has a new drive mode for soft sand, part of an over-the-air software update that requires no mechanical intervention." date: "2022-05-28" modified: "2022-05-28" authors: - name: "Kristin V. Shaw" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/kristin-shaw" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/rivian-adds-soft-sand-mode-with-low-regen-and-high-power-settings" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Rivian News" - "Trucks" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "Rivian" --- # Rivian Adds Soft Sand Mode with Low Regen and High Power Settings ![Yellow Rivian electric truck driving across sand]() Multiple-time competitor Emme Hall and navigator Rebecca Donaghe piloted a new [Rivian R1T]() last year at the [Rebelle Rally](), and [Hall raved about her experience]() with the all-electric truck overall. However, there was one particular aspect she found challenging in the final stage tackling the dunes of Glamis: driving in the sand. The heavy truck (about 7,000 pounds even without any gear) required consistent throttle application to stay on top of the sand, and she found that even at the lowest regen setting, she’d have to keep her foot on the accelerator to manage the effects of regenerative braking. Rivian just announced its answer to that problem by issuing an over-the-air software update that adds a [new drive mode especially for soft sand](). This is the ninth drive mode Rivian offers, the others split evenly between on-road and off-road options. The update is part of a suite of improvements that includes battery preconditioning, which warms up the battery pack to an ideal temperature for quicker, safer charging. https://twitter.com/Rivian/status/1530266920322146305?s=20&t=03rbOURreRm9Nic5Hp1huQ A Rivian spokesperson told me that the analysis of the truck’s performance at the Rebelle Rally last year was a contributing factor to the update. With this revision, engineers loosened up traction control and [goosed the torque]() while retaining the vehicle’s 50/50 power distribution. In fact, the Soft Sand mode replicates the torque from Sport mode to keep the truck moving even with low traction. Before engaging Soft Sand mode, the truck displays a message asking the driver to confirm they are in soft sand to help minimize any potential environmental damage. That's a nod to Rivian's new [partnership with Tread Lightly!]() to encourage responsible recreational driving. I happened to be off-roading in Glamis recently and crested a set of dunes right behind a few Rivian trucks piloted by a group of mechanics and engineers. Based on what I've seen, it's going to be even more formidable with this additional mode. *Got a tip? Send it to kristin.shaw@thedrive.com.* ## Author Kristin Shaw is the former Weekend Editor for The Drive and a current freelancer in both the automotive and aviation worlds. She’s a big fan of anything car-related and calls on her technology background on the corporate side to explain engineering and high-tech concepts. Now living in her sixth state (New Jersey, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, and now Texas), she is thrilled that working from home is now mainstream. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Instagram]() [Twitter]()