Rivian Ecto-R1 spotted in action: Ghostbusters-themed EV turns heads

Rivian’s annual Halloween software drop is rolling out now, and this year the electric automaker has turned its seasonal update into a full Ghostbusters homage — complete with a one-off Ecto‑style show car and a hands-on in‑vehicle experience for owners. The update lands on R2 and R1 models today, bringing playful lighting, sounds and interactive mini-games that transform dashboards into a paranormal control station.

Why this matters: the release shows how automakers are using over‑the‑air software to create cultural moments that reach every vehicle owner, not just those who buy special editions. For Rivian drivers the changes are more than cosmetic—many effects run across the instrument cluster, main display and mobile app, altering how the truck or SUV appears and sounds in public.

I saw the activation in New York City at a Rivian event where the company displayed a custom R1S dubbed the Ecto‑R1. Bill Murray — credited in the campaign as Dr. Peter Venkman — took a passenger seat for a brief ride, and the bespoke build included vintage‑style roof equipment, police lights and a hoisted array of props that go beyond simple decals.

The Halloween software is available now as version 2026.36.40 for R2 and 2026.36.0 for R1 vehicles. Rivian says owners of the R1S, R1T and R2 can download the update and enable a seasonal mode that changes the vehicle’s interface and external behavior.

At a glance, the main additions:

• Trick or Treat mode — the primary UI theme that remakes the central touchscreen into a Ghostbusters‑style control panel with animated switches, sound effects and lighting controls.
• Preset shows — curated lighting and audio combos, including Ecto‑1, Proton Pack, Slimer, Ghost Trap and a Random setting for surprise sequences.
• Motion Mode — effects triggered by nearby movement, intended for parked displays or playful encounters in public spaces.
• Arcade games — short, in‑car titles like Mallow Mash that run while the vehicle is stationary or charging.
• App and cluster integration — theme carries to the driver display and Rivian mobile apps on both Android and iOS.

The software design includes little animated touches meant to reward exploration: flip a fake radar switch and a ghostly hand can appear to flip it back. The package is heavy on audio cues — yes, you can play the Ghostbusters theme — and coordinated exterior interior lighting. In practice the update creates a conspicuous, attention‑getting presence, which is part of the point.

Rivian’s custom Ecto‑R1 emphasizes the difference between a one‑off promotional vehicle and the software experience that reaches all owners. The R1S build featured a custom white paint job, franchise badges and a fully faired roof rig of lights and props. That equipment adds bulk to the roofline, altering silhouette and clearance, but the company appears to have prioritized authenticity.

Bill Murray praised the conversion onstage, calling it “just technical enough, and just silly enough to be perfect.” Filmmaker Gil Kenan, who co‑wrote Ghostbusters: Afterlife and worked on the franchise’s latest film, helped shape the commercial and creative direction for the drop.

What owners should know now:

• Availability — the update is live for R1 and R2 models; check your vehicle’s software section or the Rivian app to download.
• Scope — themes affect multiple displays and the mobile app; many features are limited to when the vehicle is parked or charging for safety reasons.
• Public visibility — sound and lighting sequences are loud and visible; expect curious onlookers if you enable full siren and exterior effects in public areas.
• One‑off vs. fleet — the Ecto‑R1 is a single promotional vehicle. The software features are broadly distributed and do not require physical modifications.

From a product and media perspective, the release underscores two trends: carmakers using OTA updates for entertainment and engagement, and partnerships with recognizable IP to drive earned attention. For Rivian, the Ghostbusters package serves both as a community moment for owners and a publicity vehicle that attracts mainstream media and celebrity participation.

The update also raises practical questions for owners who might want to run siren‑style sounds in public: while the features are entertaining, drivers should be mindful of local rules and the safety implications of loud audio or flashing lights in traffic. Rivian keeps many effects gated to parked states, but motion‑triggered displays and exterior lighting could still draw notice in parking lots or on city streets.

Rivian owners who update will find a surprisingly deep seasonal makeover rather than a one‑screen Easter egg. Between the themed UI, motion triggers, shared app experience and the arcade, the company has turned a routine software release into a multi‑platform event that broadens how vehicles connect with culture.

For fans, the package is a clear invite to play; for the industry, it represents how software increasingly shapes the personality of vehicles long after purchase.