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Rivian patent hints at real-time brake wear monitoring system using driver profiles
Rivian’s attention to detail on its all-electric vehicles is laudable, and a recent patent application by the outdoor adventure company for monitoring brake wear continues that theme. In an application titled “Methods, Systems, and Media for Non-Contact Brake Pad Wear Determination”, a method of estimating the wear on individual breaks via computer algorithms is described. Once calculated, the information is then made available to drivers for planning purposes via the infotainment screen on the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. The application published on August 1, 2019 under US Patent Publication No. 2019/0234475.
The background of Rivian’s application stated the following reasons why the invention is needed:
“Current approaches for determining brake pad wear…tend to merely indicate when brake pads are fully worn, for example, using a brake pad indicator that causes the brakes to squeal when the indicator contacts the brake disc or that causes an indication on a dashboard of the vehicle to be presented. It may be useful for a driver to know a current wear condition of the brake pads before the brake pads are fully worn, for example, to plan for vehicle maintenance. However, it can be difficult to determine a current wear of the brake pads.”
While not an official reason listed on the patent, one could also assume brake squealing as an annoying sound in itself would also merit the invention’s usefulness as a reliable preventative.
- Rivian brake-monitoring patent application. | Image: Rivian/USPTO
- Rivian brake-monitoring patent application. | Image: Rivian/USPTO
- Rivian brake-monitoring patent application. | Image: Rivian/USPTO
- Rivian brake-monitoring patent application. | Image: Rivian/USPTO
Overall, Rivian’s application calculates the amount of wear on its vehicles’ brakes by comparing data points gathered from two braking events. The amount of pressure applied plus the distance traveled at two different intervals is collected, then compared to a brake database, and an estimate of the mileage left before a change is needed is provided to the driver. The calculation can also include the driver’s braking history to more accurately reflect the mileage. In other words, if you’re a bit rough on the brake pedal, Rivian’s software will take that into account and probably shorten the mileage you have left before needing replacement parts compared to someone that drives…differently. Here’s the formal language for this ability:
“In some embodiments, the method further comprises associating a braking profile with an operator of the vehicle, wherein the indication of the wear amount of the brake pad includes a number of miles until the brake pad requires replacement that is estimated based on the associated braking profile.”
The method described in the claims of the application that calculate the wear on the brakes indicates a process initiated by the driver, i.e., the driver initiates a brake wear test on the center touchscreen and uses the brakes at two intervals as instructed by the vehicle’s computer to determine the wear percentage. However, the description of the application indicates that the brake testing can also happen in real-time during normal operation. The formal language for this reads as follows:
“…In some embodiments, [the testing] process…can receive a group of brake caliper measurements and corresponding brake pedal travel distances…during application of the brake pedal during normal operation of the vehicle…Additionally, in some such embodiments, [the testing] process can present indications of brake pad wear at any suitable time, such as a next time the vehicle is turned on, and/or at any other suitable time.”
This application is yet the latest nod towards Rivian’s development of a comfortable and luxury driving experience for its vehicle owners. The car maker’s branding as an outdoor electric adventure company really seems to have embraced its mission to get people outside exploring more by making the experience as convenient as possible. Whether it’s ample storage capacity, swapping out cargo modules, extending battery range with a digital jerry can, a portable kitchen built specifically for the R1T pickup truck, or now, being able to easily plan ahead for basic vehicle maintenance by checking a screen, Rivian is continuing its march against barriers to enjoying nature anywhere.
There’s a new phrase that seems to be developing based off of an old one about willpower: “Where there’s a Rivian, there’s a way.”
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Elon Musk gets brash response from Ryanair CEO, who thanks him for booking increase
Elon Musk got a brash response from Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, who said in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that the Tesla frontman’s criticism of the airline not equipping Starlink has increased bookings for the next few months.
The two have had a continuing feud over the past several weeks after Musk criticized the airline for not using Starlink for its flights, which would enable fast, free, and reliable Wi-Fi on its aircraft.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk trolls budget airline after it refuses Starlink on its planes
Musk said earlier this week that he was entertaining the idea of purchasing Ryanair and putting someone named Ryan in charge, which would oust O’Leary from his position.
However, the barbs continued today, as O’Leary held a press conference, aiming to dispel any beliefs about Starlink and its use case for Ryanair flights, which are typically short in length.
O’Leary said in the press conference today:
“The Starlink people believe that 90% of our passengers would happily pay for wifi access. Our experience tells us less than 10% would pay; He (Elon) called me a retar*ed twat. He would have to join the back of a very, very long queue of people that already think I’m a retar*ed twat, including my four teenage children.”
He then went on to say that, due to Musk’s publicity, bookings for Ryanair flights have increased over the past few days, up 2 to 3 percent:
“But we do want to thank him for the wonderful boost in publicity. Our bookings are up 2-3% in the last few days. So thank you to Mr. Musk, but he’s wrong on the fuel drag. Non-European citizens cannot own a majority of European airlines, but if he wants to invest in Ryanair, we think it would be a very good investment.”
O’Leary didn’t end there, as he called Musk’s social media platform X a “cesspit,” and said he has no concern over becoming a member of it. However, Ryanair has been very active on X for several years, gaining notoriety for being comical and lighthearted.
🚨 Ryanair CEO’s comments on X and Starlink today at the planned presser.
Strange comments here, it just feels like it’s time to end all this crap https://t.co/NYeG95bM82
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 21, 2026
The public spat between the two has definitely benefited Ryanair, and many are calling for it to end, especially those who support Musk, as they see it as a distraction.
Nevertheless, it is likely going to end with no real movement either way, and is more than likely just a bit of hilarity between the two parties that will end in the coming days.
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Tesla CEO Elon Musk outlines expectations for Cybercab production
“…initial production is always very slow and follows an S-curve. The speed of production ramp is inversely proportionate to how many new parts and steps there are. For Cybercab and Optimus, almost everything is new, so the early production rate will be agonizingly slow, but eventually end up being insanely fast.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk outlined expectations for Cybercab production as the vehicle is officially set to start rolling off manufacturing lines at the company’s Giga Texas factory in less than 100 days.
Cybercab is specifically designed and catered to Tesla’s self-driving platform and Robotaxi ride-hailing service. The company has been pushing hard to meet its self-set expectations for rolling out an effective self-driving suite, and with the Cybercab coming in under 100 days, it now needs to push for Unsupervised Self-Driving in the same time frame.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirms Robotaxi is set to go unsupervised
This is especially pertinent because the Cybercab is expected to be built without a steering wheel or pedals, and although some executives have said they would build the car with those things if it were necessary.
However, Musk has maintained that the Cybercab will not have either of those things: it will have two seats and a screen, and that’s it.
With production scheduled for less than 100 days, Musk broke down what people should expect from the initial manufacturing phases, being cautiously optimistic about what the early stages will likely entail:
“…initial production is always very slow and follows an S-curve. The speed of production ramp is inversely proportionate to how many new parts and steps there are. For Cybercab and Optimus, almost everything is new, so the early production rate will be agonizingly slow, but eventually end up being insanely fast.”
Musk knows better than most about the challenges of ramping up production of vehicles. With the Model 3, Musk routinely refers to it as “production hell.” The Cybertruck, because of its polarizing design and stainless steel exterior, also presented challenges to Tesla.
With the important caveat that initial production is always very slow and follows an S-curve.
The speed of the production ramp is inversely proportionate to how many new parts and steps there are.
For Cybercab and Optimus, almost everything is new, so the early production…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 20, 2026
The Cybercab definitely presents an easier production process for Tesla, and the company plans to build millions of units per year.
Musk said back in October 2024:
“We’re aiming for at least 2 million units a year of Cybercab. That will be in more than one factory, but I think it’s at least 2 million units a year, maybe 4 million ultimately.”
When April comes, we will find out exactly how things will move forward with Cybercab production.
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Tesla reveals awesome Model 3 and Model Y incentive, but it’s ending soon
Tesla has revealed an awesome Model 3 and Model Y incentive to help consumers make the jump to one of its affordable mass-market vehicles, but it’s ending soon.
Tesla is offering one free upgrade on eligible inventory of the Model 3 and Model Y until February 2.
This would help buyers receive the most expensive paid option on the vehicle at no additional cost, meaning white interior or a more premium paint option will be free of charge if you take delivery on or before February 2.
Tesla states on its website for the offer:
“Only for limited inventory while supplies last. Price displayed on inventory listings already deducts the cost of the free option.”
Tesla says its one free upgrade offer on eligible U.S. inventory for the Model 3 and Model Y ends February 2.
With this incentive, buyers receive the most expensive paid option on the vehicle at no additional cost (up to $2k in savings). pic.twitter.com/IhoiURrsDI
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) January 21, 2026
This latest incentive is just another advantage Tesla has by selling its vehicles directly and not using some sort of dealership model that relies on approvals from higher-ups. It is important to note that these programs are offered to help stimulate demand and push vehicles into customers’ hands.
It is not the only incentive Tesla is currently offering, either. In fact, there is a much larger incentive program that Tesla is working on, and it has to do with Full Self-Driving transfers, which could result in even more sales for the company through Q1.
Tesla is ending its FSD Transfer program on March 31, as it plans to transition to a Subscription-only basis with the self-driving suite for anyone who has not already purchased it outright.
This could help drive some on-the-fence buyers to new vehicles, but it remains to be seen. Given the timing of the program’s demise, it appears Tesla is hoping to use it to add additional sales and bolster a strong Q1 2026.
Interior and exterior paint colors can add up to $2,000 if you choose the most premium Ultra Red body color, or an additional $1,000 for the Black and White interior option. The discount, while small, could help get someone their preferred design configuration, instead of settling for something that is not quite what they want.



