Rivian Brings Ghostbusters Halloween Experience to Its EVs

Rivian is partnering with Sony Pictures to bring the Ghostbusters universe to its electric vehicles, just in time for Halloween 2026. Announced on October 8, the seasonal experience includes an over-the-air software update, a new advertising campaign, retail displays, community events and custom Ecto-R1 vehicles appearing across the country. The update begins rolling out October 9 and remains available through November 2.

Halloween Mode transforms Rivian vehicles with themed sounds, lighting effects, interactive clues and hidden characters. A dedicated Ghostbusters in-vehicle app brings the features together, allowing owners to activate the experience through a single red toggle that synchronizes interior lighting, themed audio and exterior displays.

When Trick or Treat Mode is activated, the driver and rear displays feature Ghostbusters visuals, the theme song plays, and exterior lights and sound effects change to match. Owners can customize music and exterior effects through the center display. The Rivian mobile app provides remote access to Trick or Treat Mode, exterior effects, music and sound effects.

The software update includes several features. Owners can choose themed lighting and sound sequences inspired by Ecto-1, Proton Pack, Slimer, Ghost Trap, Peter Venkman or a random selection. Motion Mode activates an exterior show when someone walks past the vehicle. Custom lock sounds include Ecto-1 for first-generation R1 vehicles, while second-generation R1 models and R2 offer Ecto-1, Proton Pack and Chant options.

An interactive scavenger hunt challenges owners to find hidden characters through familiar vehicle screens, including Drive Modes, Gear Guard settings, side cameras and the Energy app. Finding Ghost Guard or Slimer triggers unique animations and audio. Rivian Assistant also adopts an eerie Halloween personality, responding to requests to activate exterior light shows, read clues and play specific sound effects. The “‘Mallow Mash” arcade game lets occupants pop Mini-Puft marshmallow characters against the clock while the vehicle is parked.

Bill Murray Returns for Rivian’s Ghostbusters Campaign

Rivian recruited original Ghostbusters star Bill Murray to help launch the Halloween experience. The new advertisement features a suburban home on Halloween eve, where flickering lights and supernatural chaos accompany Slimer as the green ghost raids the refrigerator. A familiar siren outside eventually attracts Slimer’s attention.

To capture the film franchise’s distinctive atmosphere, Rivian worked with director Gil Kenan, co-writer of Ghostbusters: Afterlife and director and co-writer of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Bob Industries produced the advertisement.

Ecto-R1 Reimagines the Original Ghostbusters Vehicle

Rivian also developed the Ecto-R1, a custom vehicle inspired by the original Ecto-1 from the 1984 Ghostbusters film. The design balances recognizable details from the movie car with Rivian’s own styling.

The build features 22-inch Aero wheels with white-painted covers and bright silver finishes inspired by the original vehicle’s chrome hubcaps. A red graphic sweeps across the body, complemented by the iconic No-Ghost logo on the hood and front doors.

The roof rack includes functional accessories modeled after the original film vehicle, including sirens, spotlights, a radar dish and side tanks. However, the rack structure uses Rivian’s distinctive stadium-shaped silhouette. A subtle compass design is visible from above. Rivian’s Special Projects team fabricated the custom frame and accessory housings, while vintage emergency lights were sourced and restored.

Rivian’s Integrated Technology Powers the Experience

Rivian said its vertically integrated hardware and software architecture makes the experience possible by connecting vehicle displays, lighting and audio systems. The company’s in-house technology allows software updates to deliver coordinated, real-time experiences throughout the vehicle.

Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid described the project as an opportunity to combine the nostalgia of Ghostbusters with interactive vehicle technology, giving owners control over displays, lights and speakers to create an immersive experience.

Halloween Events Across the Country

Rivian retail locations in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco and New York City’s Meatpacking District are hosting seasonal celebrations featuring physical Ecto-R1 builds, limited-edition merchandise and themed refreshments. Additional activities include the New York City Village Halloween Parade and a Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt pop-up in Los Angeles.

Owners can find event details at https://rivian.com/l/halloween.

How to Activate Halloween Mode

Owners must update their vehicle software and Rivian mobile app to the latest versions. The specified software versions are 2026.36.0 for R1 vehicles and 2026.36.40 for R2. After updating, a prompt appears on the driver display asking whether the owner wants to “hunt some ghosts,” providing direct access to the Ghostbusters app.

Halloween Mode is available from October 9 through November 2, 2026. Rivian encourages owners to share the experience with friends, family and neighbors.

The update demonstrates how automakers can use innovative over-the-air software to add seasonal entertainment and new functionality after vehicles leave the factory, extending the role of connected technology beyond driving and charging.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Why the Rivian R2 Is America’s Most Exciting New Vehicle

The “Ghostbusters” campaign is one of the coolest and most exciting automotive promotions I’ve ever seen. It makes sense that it would come from Rivian, one of America’s greatest and most exciting companies.

The Rivian R2 could be one of the most important electric vehicles to launch in America. Combining Rivian’s adventure-focused design, advanced technology, SUV practicality, and a more accessible price, the R2 has the potential to bring electric driving to a much broader audience.

Unlike many electric vehicles positioned as luxury products, the R2 targets the heart of the American SUV market. Its midsize design offers everyday versatility while retaining the rugged character that distinguishes Rivian’s R1T pickup and R1S SUV. A lower starting price also puts Rivian within reach of more buyers who want an electric vehicle without paying luxury-SUV prices.

The R2 arrives as gasoline prices remain vulnerable to global disruptions and drivers increasingly recognize the benefits of going electric as Americans struggle from skyrocketing gas and other prices.

Home charging can eliminate routine trips to gas stations, while electric motors deliver instant torque and smooth, quiet performance. Over-the-air software updates offer another advantage, allowing vehicle technology to evolve after purchase.

For Rivian, the R2 is more than a new model. It is a critical opportunity to expand beyond a premium niche and compete in the much larger mainstream market. Greater production volumes could help the company reach more customers and strengthen America’s electric vehicle industry.

The R2 represents what the next phase of EV adoption needs: an appealing vehicle, practical utility, modern technology, and a price more Americans can consider. If Rivian delivers on that promise, the R2 could become a defining electric SUV for the American market.