Rivian Halloween Mode Turns Your EV Into a Ghostbusters Ecto-1

You don't need a proton pack to chase ghosts this Halloween. Rivian is rolling out a free software update called Halloween Mode that turns any R1S or R1T into a Ghostbusters-themed Ecto-1, complete with lights, sounds, and in-car games.

The update arrives October 9 and runs through November 2, Car and Driver reports. Inside the cabin, drivers can hunt for animated Ghost Guard and Slimer characters hiding across the screens. Find one and it triggers a silly animation and spooky sound. Rivian's voice assistant also joins in, speaking in an eerie tone and reading clues for light shows.

When parked, the EV goes full ghostbusting. Halloween Mode replaces the usual software interface with Ghostbusters-themed screens and minigames. Trick or Treat Mode plays the Ghostbusters theme song while exterior lights and sound effects sync with the music. You can adjust settings from inside the car or through the Rivian app, so the car can essentially come to life with no one in it.

Four different light and sound shows are available, and you can program them to start when the car senses motion nearby. Even the lock sounds get a spooky replacement instead of the normal chirp.

While driving, the spooky effects take a back seat to safety, but some Halloween touches remain. The gauge cluster graphic wears Ecto-1 markings, and in dark mode, white text turns lime green. When charging, Slimer swims through the green battery percentage indicator.

To really lean into the look, Rivian built a few R1S SUVs into full Ecto-R1 conversions with white wheels, sirens, spotlights, side tanks, and the "No Ghost" logo. These will appear at Rivian retail stores and other Halloween events this month, Car and Driver says, including the NYC Village Halloween Parade.

The Halloween Mode software update is free and lasts through November 2. After that, your Rivian goes back to being just a regular EV.