ACCESS Building an autonomous car utopia with Rivian's RJ Scaringe
Jan 15, 2026
RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO of Rivian, dives into the future of driving, discussing the evolution of autonomy and how it signals the end of fossil fuels. He shares insights on vehicle design, revealing why many prefer boring car colors. The conversation touches on the importance of charging infrastructure and how it can alleviate EV range anxiety. RJ also predicts that driving could one day be as nostalgic as horseback riding, reflecting on the shift toward robotaxis versus personal ownership in the automotive landscape.
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Design Tone Shapes Brand Identity
- Rivian intentionally pursues a calming, approachable design language rather than aggressive, dystopian aesthetics.
- RJ argues brand diversity matters and different customers want distinct automotive personalities.
Autonomy Is A Seismic, Imminent Shift
- RJ Scaringe believes autonomy and the end of fossil fuels are two parallel, seismic shifts for this generation.
- He predicts widespread vehicle autonomy will arrive in the next three to five years and become a standard buying criterion.
Ownership Will Persist Despite Robotaxis
- Today, around 99% of U.S. miles are driven in personally owned vehicles, not rideshare.
- RJ expects robotaxis to grow but personal ownership will remain significant for households.