Rivian brings Ghostbusters to its vehicles in 2026 Halloween update

This is a car infotainment story, not an energy-efficiency or rebate update, so there's nothing here that affects home upgrade planning. Rivian, the electric vehicle maker, released a Halloween-themed software update for its R1T, R1S, and R2 vehicles, adding Ghostbusters-themed graphics, light sequences, sounds, and a spooky voice for the car's built-in assistant. The update also includes a couple of games accessible through the center touchscreen, plus matching Ghostbusters visuals in Rivian's phone app, watch app, and on the screens at Rivian's charging stations.

Rivian also built a one-off show vehicle, an R1S dressed up to look like the Ectomobile from the original Ghostbusters movie, and released a short promotional video featuring actor Bill Murray. The company has done similar seasonal themes in past years, including a Swamp Thing update and a Back to the Future and Knight Rider update with actor David Hasselhoff.

The Halloween features arrive with software versions 2026.36.0 for the R1 and 2026.36.40 for the R2, and the themed mode only works from October 9 through November 2. None of this involves home energy equipment, rebates, or efficiency programs, so it has no bearing on heat pumps, insulation, or other upgrades for your house. If you happen to own one of these vehicles and charge it at home, this is simply a cosmetic, limited-time feature for the car itself.