Rivian is one of several CarPlay holdouts, opting instead to build its own infotainment system focused on deep integration with the R1S and R1T hardware. A new aftermarket accessory hitting the market this month, however, claims that it will add CarPlay and a wide suite of other apps to Rivian with a do-it-yourself installation process that takes just 25 minutes.
As spotted by Chris Hilbert on social media, the “EV Play” is an Android-based device that promises to add wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto to Rivian’s infotainment system.
According to the EV Play website, the device will also be able to do a lot more than CarPlay:
EV Play is an Android-based hardware device that supercharges your Rivian infotainment system. From video streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, to audio streaming apps like Pandora, Soundcloud, and XM; navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze (finally!); Web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Have some time to kill while charging? How about a little Call of Duty or Roblox for the kids to pass the time — played on actual wireless game controllers (compatibility dependent on the game). These are native apps by the way, not tethered. But tethering is supported as well.
There aren’t a whole lot of details on how EV Play is able to add CarPlay, Android Auto, and other apps to Rivian. Rivian’s native infotainment system supports the Google Cast protocol, so it’s possible EV Play is somehow tapping into that system.
The developer behind the project says work began on EV Play last year. The initial goal was to launch EV Play in February or March. The project’s website, however, now says the device is launching this month. There aren’t any details on things like pricing or the installation process, but you can sign up for the EV Play newsletter to stay up to date on the project.
Watch a trio of videos showing off EV Play below.
9to5Mac’s Take
As I said when I covered a (now-discontinued) accessory that brought CarPlay to GM EVs last week, the fact that these types of products exist says a lot about consumer sentiment. People want CarPlay, and they’re willing to go to extreme lengths to add it to their cars.
Tesla also doesn’t support CarPlay, but there’s a robust community of tinkerers who have found ways to use it via hardware and software solutions.
Another popular way people add CarPlay to their CarPlay-less vehicles is with standalone displays. There are a variety of portable displays on the market that complement your existing in-car infotainment with a second screen dedicated to CarPlay. They’re surprisingly affordable, with prices starting well under $100.
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