Rivian Replaces Nvidia With Its Own AI Chip as Hands-Free Driving Expands: What It Means for the R2 and RIVN Stock in 2026
Dec. 19, 2025 — Rivian is making one of the boldest moves any young automaker can attempt: replacing a best‑in‑class supplier (Nvidia) with its own in‑house autonomy silicon, while simultaneously pushing hands‑free driving to far more roads for existing owners. The strategy is reshaping how the EV maker talks about its future—less “electric adventure brand,” more “AI-defined vehicle platform”—and it’s a big reason Rivian is back in the center of the autonomy conversation heading into 2026. EE Times+2Business Wire+2 On Dec. 19, Wall Street’s reaction was immediate: fresh analyst enthusiasm centered on Rivian’s R2 launch runway, autonomy monetization, and vertical