Tesla and Rivian Add Halloween Features to Vehicles
The EV manufacturers are rolling out seasonal software updates that include spooky sounds, animations, and themed vehicle displays.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Tesla and Rivian have introduced special Halloween software updates for their North American electric vehicle fleets. Drivers can now access festive themes that alter vehicle avatars, lighting, and sound effects to celebrate the holiday.
Why it matters
These software-driven updates showcase how modern automakers leverage over-the-air capabilities to enhance user engagement through seasonal personalization. The features transform standard driving interfaces into holiday-themed experiences for owners.
Tesla includes four distinct themed vehicle avatar wraps as part of its seasonal software suite. Owners can activate these updates directly through the in-car Toybox interface.
The players
Tesla
Tesla is a major American automotive and clean energy company known for its electric vehicles and advanced software integration.
Rivian
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer that focuses on adventure-oriented trucks and SUVs with high-tech cabin features.
The details
Tesla vehicles now feature a Ghost Costume mode that renders pedestrians as skeletons and transforms traffic lights into pumpkins, while Trick or Treat mode adds external music and light flickering. Rivian vehicles complement this with bloody red interior lighting, zombie pedestrian animations, and an owl hoot sound effect during locking or unlocking.
Timeline
October 2026: Tesla released the latest Halloween Mode software update for North American vehicles.
Roadmap
These updates mark a broader shift toward treating automotive software as a medium for ongoing user experiences rather than static systems. By utilizing the over-the-air software update, manufacturers are moving toward a subscription-style engagement model that keeps vehicle interaction fresh.
Drivers can access these festive settings through their standard vehicle menus to personalize their cars for the holiday. No additional hardware is required, as the features are deployed via routine software updates.
The takeaway
These seasonal features demonstrate how vehicle software can extend beyond core driving functionality to offer entertainment and personalization. Owners should check their vehicle settings to see if their model has received the update and to explore the available spooky customization options.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving software capabilities of modern cars, visit our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Goodwood.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy having themed software features like 'Halloween Mode' in your vehicle?
