More likely that the author got some talking points and maybe even data from the fine folks at Rivian.
however, automatically engaging regenerative breaking is especially helpful for mimicking a manual transmission (without freewheel/overdrive). It's a desirable characteristic for sporty driving styles.
my favorite piece of BS is "they've flipped the script!" I hope not, people already know what they want a pickup to do: haul their stuff around. They don't want their stuff hauling their pickup around, for example.
Yes, it's a puff piece, but that doesn't mean there's not truth behind it.