Canonically some gets by every time, which is why they need ground crews with flame throwers, right?

And their software integrated into their cars is much better and receives OTAs (as a Rivian owner). However also as a Rivian owner: I'd prefer car play/AA.

This is a common misconception. While a pardon does mean some things (like removing your ability to plead the 5th in relation to the related case), it remains very disputed whether it constitutes an admission of guilt:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burdick_v._United_States#:~:text=Although%20the%20Supreme%20Court's%20opinion,by%20the%20recipient%20is%20disputed.