I can't describe how badly I want this new EV Ghostbusters car

Quick Summary

Rivian has teamed up with Sony Pictures to bring a Ghostbusters-themed Halloween experience to its R1T, R1S and R2 electric vehicles.

The update adds themed lights, sounds and interactive games, while a specially built R1S recreates the iconic Ecto-1 movie car.

I can't describe how badly I want this new EV Ghostbusters car. Rivian has teamed up with Sony Pictures to give its electric vehicles a supernatural makeover for Halloween, and the results include a custom-built SUV that looks like it's driven straight out of the classic 1984 film.

The Ecto-R1 is based on Rivian's R1S electric SUV, with white paintwork, red graphics and the unmistakable No-Ghost logo.

There's also a custom roof rack loaded with emergency lights, spotlights, a radar dish and other ghost-hunting equipment, bringing the original Ecto-1 into the electric era.

Who ya gonna call?

It's not just the exterior that gets the Ghostbusters treatment. Rivian has created a special Halloween software update for its R1T, R1S and R2 models, adding themed lighting sequences, sound effects and a dedicated Ghostbusters app.

Owners can choose effects inspired by the Proton Pack, Ghost Trap, Slimer and Peter Venkman, while a Trick or Treat mode lets the vehicle greet approaching Halloween visitors with spooky sounds and lights.

There's even a scavenger hunt that hides Ghostbusters characters throughout the vehicle's digital menus, alongside a game called 'Mallow Mash' that challenges players to catch miniature Stay Puft marshmallow characters.

The update is available over the air, so there's no need to fit any actual ghost-busting equipment to your EV. Most of the interactive features are designed for use while parked, although selected visual effects remain available when driving.

The Ghostbusters experience is available from 9 October until 2 November 2026, so it's a limited-time Halloween treat rather than a permanent addition to the car. Rivian has also built physical Ecto-R1 vehicles for promotional appearances, including a campaign featuring original Ghostbuster Bill Murray.

Sadly, there's another catch for UK fans, Rivian's vehicles aren't currently a straightforward option for British buyers. That means this is one EV I'd love to see on our roads, but one that's likely to remain a fantasy for now.

Still, if you're going to turn an electric SUV into a movie car, you could do a lot worse than the Ecto-1. Who ya gonna call? Rivian, apparently.

Luke is a freelance writer for T3 with over two decades of experience covering tech, science and health. Among many things, Luke writes about health tech, software and apps, VPNs, TV, audio, smart home, antivirus, broadband, smartphones and cars. In his free time, Luke climbs mountains, swims outside and contorts his body into silly positions while breathing as calmly as possible.