Electric vehicle community members are urging Rivian to make its Rivian Premium Audio system standard for its Gen 2 R1 vehicles. As per an EV veteran, the company’s entry-level audio setup is simply not up to par for premium-priced vehicles such as the R1S and R1T.
A look at Rivian’s order page shows that Gen 2 R1 vehicles are ordered with a standard Rivian Audio system by default. As per the electric truck maker, its standard Rivian Audio system features 600-watt output and 12 speakers throughout the cabin of the R1S (10 speakers on the R1T).
While such a system might seem ample, Rivian’s Premium Audio system, which costs an extra $1,750 for both the R1S and R1T, is simply a league above the company’s standard setup. Part of this is due to its 960-watt output and 18 speakers throughout the cabin in the R1S (16 speakers on the R1T), which provides a stunning surround audio experience for occupants.
Alright if you’re going to get a Rivian and you consider yourself an audiophile, get the premium audio upgrade.
I didn’t and I’m already finding the entry level setup weak in the high end/clarity – It’s fine but it’s one of the worst I’ve experienced in a vehicle above $50,000 ? pic.twitter.com/XYVXK1arNt— The Kilowatts ?⚡️ (@klwtts) August 31, 2024
The gap between Rivian’s standard and premium audio systems was highlighted in a post on X by electric vehicle veteran The Kilowatts, who noted that he is regretting not getting premium audio for his Gen 2 R1S. As per the EV veteran, Rivian’s standard audio setup is “of the worst I’ve experienced in a vehicle above $50,000.” In a later comment, the EV veteran added that even the sound system of cheap Teslas sound better than Rivian’s standard audio system.
Several Rivian enthusiasts actually agreed with the EV veteran’s sentiments. Some noted that Rivian should probably eliminate its standard audio system for its R1 vehicles considering the R1S and R1T’s flagship status and premium price. Others suggested that Rivian should probably keep its standard audio system for its R2 platform, as this would give consumers an incentive to go for the R1T or R1S instead. Such feedback is quite sound, especially since Rivian’s current consumers and fans tend to be knowledgeable about premium electric cars and the experience they provide.
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Tesla just had its best wholesale month this year in China
Tesla China’s wholesale figures include both vehicles that are sold domestically and exported abroad.

Tesla China just had its best wholesale month this 2025 so far. In August, the electric vehicle maker sold 83,192 vehicles wholesale, a 22.55% increase compared to July 2025’s 67,886 units.
Tesla China’s wholesale figures are still down year-over-year, but the company’s momentum seems notable, especially with the arrival of the Model Y L.
August 2025 figures
As noted in a CNEV Post report, August 2025’s 83,192 wholesale figures are 4.04% less than the 86,697 units that were sold in the same period last year. It is, however, a 22.55% improvement from the previous month. From January to August, Tesla China sold 515,552 units wholesale, a 12.24% year-over-year decrease.
It should be noted that Tesla China’s wholesale figures include both vehicles that are sold domestically and exported abroad. With this in mind, August’s results bode well for Tesla China, as it suggests that Gigafactory Shanghai is now hitting its pace with both its domestic deliveries and its exports. Giga Shanghai serves as Tesla’s primary vehicle export hub.
Model Y L factor
Tesla had a challenging first quarter this year, thanks in part to the changeover to the Model Y across the Fremont factory, Giga Texas, Giga Shanghai, and Giga Berlin-Brandenburg. This changeover resulted in low sales in the first quarter. Political controversies surrounding Elon Musk and violence against Tesla stores and vehicles in the first and second quarters in the United States and Europe did not help much either.
This Q3, however, Tesla seems to be hitting its stride, especially in China. The launch of the new Model Y L has allowed Tesla to compete in the six-seat, large SUV segment, a market that was previously closed to the standard Model Y. Reports have suggested that Tesla China has been seeing a lot of demand for the Model Y L, which should help the company achieve higher sales this quarter and the remaining months of the year.
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Tesla Model Y L sales have been incredible since launch: report
Tesla China’s sales this third quarter could see a notable improvement.

A recent report from China has suggested that the Tesla Model Y L has been seeing an impressive volume of orders since it was launched last month.
Amidst the Model Y L’s rollout, Tesla China’s sales this third quarter could see a notable improvement.
Model Y L orders
Citing information from a salesperson from a Tesla store in Beijing, media outlet Cailianshe stated that the Model Y L has been resonating well with consumers, particularly bigger families that need more space for their children. The salesperson stated that since the vehicle’s unveiling in China, the Model Y L has garnered 120,000 orders, and almost 10,000 new orders daily.
“(The Model Y L) is selling very well. Since its launch, 120,000 orders have been received, with nearly 10,000 orders placed every day. The first batch of customers began receiving deliveries in the past two days,” the Tesla representative noted.
More momentum
China is the world’s largest electric vehicle market, and it is also the most unforgiving and competitive. While the standard Model Y consistently performed well in the premium crossover SUV segment, it was high time for Tesla China to offer a larger vehicle for domestic consumers. There are quite a lot of customers, after all, who need more space than what the standard Model Y could offer.
The Model Y L’s spacious interior seems to be well appreciated by consumers, with the Tesla Beijing salesperson noting that the vehicle’s excellent rear seats have been a notable selling point. “Although the Model YL is a bit more expensive, it has more space and a more flexible rear seat, making it perfect for families with children,” the representative added.
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Tesla adjusts Robotaxi safety monitor strategy in Austin with new service area
The positioning of the driver, as well as the driver’s hands being closer to the steering wheel, is more similar to what Tesla is doing in the Bay Area Robotaxi program than it is to what it has done in Austin.

Tesla has adjusted its Robotaxi safety monitor strategy in Austin after it expanded its service area in the city last week for the third time.
Tesla has been operating its Robotaxi platform in Austin since June 22. The vehicles have been operated without a driver, but Tesla has placed safety monitors in the passenger’s seat as a precaution.
The safety monitors are responsible for performing any necessary interventions and maintaining a safe and comfortable cabin for riders as they experience Tesla’s first venture into the driverless ride-sharing space.
Last week, Tesla expanded its service area in Austin for the third time, expanding it from about 90 square miles to 170 square miles. The expansion included new territory, including the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas, and several freeways.
Tesla Robotaxi geofence expansion enters Plaid Mode and includes a surprise
The freeway is an area that is uncharted territory for the Tesla Robotaxi program, and this fact alone encouraged Tesla to switch up its safety monitor positioning for the time being.
For now, they will be riding in the driver’s seat when routes require freeway travel:
Sept 1 in Austin and our Robotaxi arrived with Tesla safety driver in the driver seat, similar to the Bay area (no logo on the car). Here’s that first moment when I realized, our autonomous car was heading onto the freeway. pic.twitter.com/1QfyN2Ubzf
— Gail 🇺🇸 (@gailalfaratx) September 2, 2025
The positioning of the driver, as well as the driver’s hands being closer to the steering wheel, is more similar to what Tesla is doing in the Bay Area Robotaxi program than it is to what it has done in Austin.
This is sure to draw criticism from skeptics, but it is simply a step to keep things controlled and safe while the first Robotaxi drives take passengers on the highway with this version of the Full Self-Driving software.
This FSD version differs from the one that customers have in their own vehicles, but CEO Elon Musk has indicated something big is coming soon. FSD v14 is coming to vehicles in the near future, and Musk has said its performance is pretty incredible.
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