Articles tagged with "Rivian"
Volkswagen & Rivian May Market Their Zonal Software To Other Automakers - CleanTechnica
Volkswagen Group and Rivian have formed a joint venture called RV Tech to develop advanced software and electrical platforms for electric vehicles (EVs). Despite Volkswagen’s previous struggles with software development—highlighted by the failure of its CARIAD division and the outsourcing of software tasks to Rivian—the partnership has made significant progress. RV Tech aims to deliver scalable software systems across various vehicle sizes and segments, primarily for Volkswagen, Audi, and Rivian models, with plans to potentially license this technology to other automakers. This approach reflects a shift toward zonal architecture, which reduces complexity and costs by using fewer controllers to manage vehicle functions. However, challenges remain for Volkswagen, including tariffs in the US, declining sales in China, and weak demand in Europe. These issues, combined with delays in launching EV models such as Audi’s Q8 e-tron and Porsche’s K1 SUV, have raised concerns about the partnership’s effectiveness. Reports suggest that Volkswagen may keep internal combustion engines longer than planned and might even
electric-vehiclesEV-softwareVolkswagenRivianautomotive-technologyenergy-storageelectric-mobilityRivian & Tesla Long-Term US Sales Charts — Not Uplifting ... - CleanTechnica
The article analyzes the long-term US sales trends of Tesla and Rivian electric vehicles, highlighting a generally disappointing outlook for both automakers in 2025. Rivian’s electric delivery vehicles (EDV 500 and EDV 700) showed consistent sales but peaked in late 2024, with expectations of weaker performance ahead. The Rivian R1T pickup truck has seen a significant decline from its peak due to increased competition in the premium EV market and reduced pent-up demand. The R1S SUV has fared somewhat better but also experienced a sales decline since its 2023 peak, with uncertainty about whether recent sales bumps will sustain. Rivian’s upcoming R2 and R3 models are anticipated to be crucial for reversing these trends. Tesla’s flagship models also face challenges. The Model S has dramatically dropped from about 50,000 annual sales to roughly 5,000–6,000, while the Model X has held up slightly better but remains modest at 12,000
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaRivianEV-salesUS-auto-marketelectric-trucksRivian creates another spinoff company called Mind Robotics
Rivian has launched its second spinoff company in 2025, named Mind Robotics, which focuses on industrial AI and robotics. According to Rivian’s third-quarter shareholder letter, Mind Robotics aims to use industrial AI to transform how physical-world businesses operate, leveraging Rivian’s operational data to create a robotics data flywheel. The company has raised approximately $110 million in external seed funding, though specific details about its operations or projects remain undisclosed. This follows an earlier spinoff in March, Also Inc., a micromobility startup partially funded by Eclipse and Greenoaks Capital. A trademark application for Mind Robotics was recently filed, listing Eclipse partner Jiten Behl and Eclipse’s Palo Alto address, suggesting a close relationship with the venture capital firm. It is unclear whether Rivian employees will transition to Mind Robotics, but Rivian hinted at leveraging its existing technology talent and innovation culture to expand its mission. While industrial AI and robotics are hot investment areas with competitors like Tesla and
roboticsindustrial-AIRivianMind-RoboticsAI-enabled-roboticsrobotics-startupindustrial-automationAmazon Rivian Electric Delivery Vans Arrive in Canada - CleanTechnica
Amazon has introduced Rivian’s electric delivery vans (EDVs) to Canada for the first time, deploying 50 vehicles in the Vancouver area. This marks a significant step in Amazon’s commitment to decarbonizing its transportation fleet as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Amazon plans to have 100,000 Rivian EDVs on the road by 2030 and currently operates over 35,000 globally, which have delivered more than 1.5 billion packages. The vans feature advanced safety and comfort technologies developed in collaboration with Amazon drivers, including 360-degree cameras and energy-saving microclimate seats. Rivian has been active in Canada for five years, maintaining facilities such as a downtown Vancouver space, four service and delivery centers across major cities, and software engineering hubs in Vancouver and Toronto. These hubs also support the company’s joint venture with Volkswagen. The deployment of these electric vans aligns with Canada’s broader electrification and decarbonization
electric-vehiclesRivianAmazondelivery-vansenergy-efficiencydecarbonizationsustainable-transportationRivian will pay $250M to settle lawsuit over R1 price hike
Rivian has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action shareholder lawsuit stemming from the company's 2022 price hikes on its R1 pickup truck and SUV. The lawsuit accused Rivian of making misleading statements about the costs of building the R1 electric vehicles in its 2021 IPO filings, which allegedly contributed to the stock price decline following the price increase announcement. While Rivian denies any wrongdoing, the settlement requires approval from a U.S. District Court judge. If approved, $67 million will be covered by the company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, with the remaining $183 million paid from cash reserves; Rivian had $4.8 billion in cash as of mid-2024. The settlement arrives as Rivian faces challenges with lagging R1 sales, compounded by tariffs and the loss of federal EV tax credits. The company is restructuring, including layoffs of over 600 employees and CEO RJ Scaringe assuming interim chief marketing officer duties. Meanwhile, Riv
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianEV-manufacturingautomotive-industrysupply-chainelectric-SUVsRivian CEO takes top marketing role in shakeup ahead of R2 launch
Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe is assuming the interim role of chief marketing officer as part of a company restructuring ahead of the 2026 launch of the R2 SUV. This shift coincides with a layoff of over 600 employees, marking the third round of cuts this year and following a 10% workforce reduction in early 2024. Scaringe communicated to employees that these changes, which reduce the team size by roughly 4.5%, are necessary to profitably scale the business amid a challenging operating environment, including the loss of the federal EV tax credit, increased tariffs, and broader headwinds against clean energy initiatives in the U.S. In addition to Scaringe’s new marketing responsibilities, Rivian is reorganizing its customer experience operations by merging the vehicle operations team with the service division and placing delivery and mobile operations under sales. These structural adjustments aim to streamline the purchase and delivery process, providing customers with a more seamless and unified sales experience. The company
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianclean-energyautomotive-industryEV-tax-creditvehicle-manufacturingRivian reportedly cutting 600 workers in third layoff of the year
Rivian is reportedly cutting approximately 600 workers, about 4% of its total workforce, marking its third round of layoffs this year. Previous reductions involved 100 to 150 employees in June and September, primarily affecting commercial and manufacturing teams. The company has not disclosed which teams are impacted by the latest cuts. These layoffs occur as Rivian prepares to launch its crucial mass-market R2 SUV in 2026, with plans to produce up to 150,000 units annually at its Illinois factory. Additionally, Rivian recently began construction on a new factory near Atlanta to expand production of the R2 and other variants. Despite these growth plans, Rivian is currently facing challenges in maintaining sales momentum with its existing models, projecting a 16% decline in total deliveries by the end of 2025 compared to the previous year.
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianmanufacturingautomotive-industrylayoffsEV-productionRivian Sales Up 32% In 3rd Quarter, Revises 2025 Guidance Downward - CleanTechnica
Rivian reported a 31.8% year-over-year increase in vehicle sales for the third quarter, delivering 13,201 vehicles and producing 10,720, which met the company's targets and exceeded Wall Street analysts' expectations of 12,000 deliveries. Despite this growth, Rivian has revised its full-year 2025 delivery guidance downward to a range of 41,500 to 43,500 vehicles, narrowing from the previous forecast of 40,000 to 46,000 vehicles provided in July. This revision has negatively impacted investor sentiment, with Rivian's stock (NASDAQ: RIVN) dropping 13.11% over five days. Analysts have mixed views on Rivian's outlook, with expectations of a narrower loss per share (73 cents) compared to the previous year (97 cents) and anticipated sales growth of 70.8% to $1.492 billion in the third quarter. However, the market remains cautious, reflecting concerns about the
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianautomotive-industryclean-technologyrenewable-energyenergy-storageRivian’s best-case guess for 2025 sales is a 16% drop from last year
Rivian has revised its 2025 electric vehicle (EV) delivery forecast downward, now expecting to deliver no more than 43,500 vehicles, which would be nearly a 16% decline from its 2024 sales of 51,579 vehicles. This updated guidance was shared alongside third-quarter production and delivery figures, which showed a recovery with 13,201 vehicles delivered, up from earlier quarters. Despite this quarterly improvement, the company anticipates that 2025 deliveries will fall short of both 2023 and 2024 figures. Rivian’s sales challenges come at a pivotal moment as it prepares to launch its more affordable R2 SUV next year, aiming for high-volume production with expanded facilities in Illinois and a new factory in Georgia. The company initially projected 2025 deliveries between 46,000 and 51,000 vehicles but lowered estimates in May due to evolving trade regulations, tariffs, and their impact on consumer demand. The current narrowed forecast ranges from 41,
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianEV-salesrenewable-energyautomotive-industryelectric-SUVsStorm Clouds Are Gathering Over The Volkswagen–Rivian Bromance - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Volkswagen Group’s ongoing struggles with automotive software development, despite its strengths in manufacturing and electric powertrains. Volkswagen’s early electric vehicle, the ID.3, faced significant software glitches that delayed deliveries and affected usability, a problem that extended across its brands including Porsche, Audi, and Bentley. To address these issues, Volkswagen created an internal software division, CARIAD, but it failed to fully resolve the challenges. Consequently, Volkswagen sought external help, partnering with Rivian, a company noted for more reliable vehicle software, initially pledging substantial investment to leverage Rivian’s platforms. However, the partnership between Volkswagen and Rivian is reportedly encountering serious difficulties. According to German media, electric models planned to use Rivian’s software, such as Audi’s Q8 e-tron and A4 e-tron, face delays of at least a year, while Porsche’s K1 electric SUV launch is postponed indefinitely. Rivian’s software algorithms also do not easily transfer to internal combustion engine vehicles
energyelectric-vehiclesVolkswagenRivianautomotive-softwarebattery-electric-powertrainselectric-SUVsWin A Rivian, Support Solar - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a raffle organized by the Illinois Solar Education Association (ISEA), offering participants a chance to win a Rivian electric truck (R1T) or SUV (R1S), two highly regarded but expensive electric vehicles. Tickets cost $100 each or four for $300, with only 2,500 tickets available. The raffle ends on June 21, 2025, with the winner announced on June 25. Proceeds directly support ISEA’s mission to advocate for solar energy adoption and education in Illinois, a state with significant electricity demand and currently facing federal-level opposition to solar and wind power. ISEA plays a crucial role in lobbying and raising awareness to promote solar power, which is currently under political attack from fossil fuel interests. The organization works to make solar installation easier for consumers and to expand clean electricity on the grid. Solar power is emphasized as the cheapest and fastest-to-deploy energy source, with benefits for the economy, public health, and climate. The raffle
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyelectric-vehiclesRivianclean-energyenergy-advocacyRivian breaks ground on $5B Georgia factory ahead of construction in 2026
Rivian has officially broken ground on its planned $5 billion electric vehicle factory near Atlanta, Georgia, marking a significant milestone for the project. While the ceremonial event took place recently, full construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with vehicle production expected to start in 2028. The factory aims to produce up to 400,000 next-generation electric vehicles annually and is projected to create 7,500 permanent jobs, along with 2,000 construction jobs during the build phase. Additionally, an estimated 8,000 indirect jobs are expected through local suppliers and vendors. Currently, Rivian is focused on preparatory work such as installing utilities and building access roads. The Georgia factory project has faced delays and uncertainties since its announcement shortly after Rivian’s 2021 IPO. Initial plans to start construction in 2022 were postponed due to local opposition and pandemic-related supply chain issues. In 2024, Rivian temporarily prioritized expanding its Illinois factory to meet production timelines for
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianfactory-constructionautomotive-manufacturingrenewable-energyDepartment-of-EnergyOne-off Rivian R1S Miami Edition debuts with 850 hp and 80s flair
Rivian has introduced a unique one-off R1S Tri-Motor “Miami Edition” SUV to mark the opening of its new Mary Brickell Village location. This special edition vehicle features a striking 1980s-inspired design with a white body accented by teal, pink, and blue colors, evoking Miami’s Art Deco architecture and pop culture such as Miami Vice. The exterior is complemented by retro disc-style wheels with matching pastel tones, while the interior continues the playful theme with Ocean Coast fabric seats, pink headrest inserts, and teal-bordered floor mats, blending vibrant aesthetics with Rivian’s premium craftsmanship. Underneath its bold styling, the Miami Edition is powered by a Tri-Motor system delivering 850 horsepower and 1,103 pound-feet of torque, enabling rapid acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and reaching 100 mph in 7.2 seconds. The SUV runs on a 140-kWh battery pack, offering an EPA-est
energyelectric-vehicleRivianelectric-SUVautomotive-designelectric-powertrainhigh-performanceHuge New Rivian EV Factory To Rise In Georgia, Tax Credit Or Not
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is moving forward with plans to build a massive new factory in Georgia, known as Project Horizon, which is expected to create approximately 7,500 permanent jobs. The project had faced uncertainty due to shifts in federal loan program policies, including a freeze initiated by the Trump administration shortly after its conditional $6.57 billion loan approval. However, recent developments suggest the loan is active again, allowing Rivian to proceed with construction, which is scheduled to break ground on September 16. The site has already been prepared for building, and the loan agreement remains valid until 2028, providing flexibility for the company. The announcement of Rivian’s factory is politically significant for Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who is term-limited in 2027 and seeking to bolster his job creation record amid economic challenges. This new investment comes at a critical time following International Paper’s decision to close several facilities in Georgia, resulting in about 1,100 job losses. Kemp has pledged to assist displaced
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianfactoryclean-energyjob-creationelectric-vehicle-manufacturingRivian sues to sell its EVs directly in Ohio
Rivian has filed a federal lawsuit in Ohio seeking the right to sell its electric vehicles (EVs) directly to consumers, challenging the state's prohibition on direct sales that it argues harms consumer choice and competition. Currently, Rivian can sell directly in 25 states and Washington D.C., but Ohio law, enacted in 2014 after lobbying by the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association (OADA), blocks new manufacturers from obtaining dealership licenses for direct sales. This law notably carved out an exception for Tesla, which has been allowed to sell directly in Ohio since 2013. Rivian contends that Ohio’s restrictions are irrational and unconstitutional, increasing costs and inconvenience for consumers without any benefits. Rivian’s lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between emerging EV manufacturers and traditional dealership networks, a battle seen in other states as well. The company points to its previous legal victories, such as obtaining dealership licenses in Illinois despite opposition from dealer associations, and notes similar challenges faced by Lucid Motors in Texas. Rivian argues
electric-vehiclesEV-salesRiviandirect-to-consumer-salesautomotive-industryelectric-mobilityvehicle-dealership-lawsRivian CEO RJ Scaringe’s voting control slips following divorce settlement
Rivian CEO and founder RJ Scaringe has transferred approximately 4 million shares and 6 million options to his ex-wife, Meagan Scaringe, as part of a divorce settlement finalized in July 2025. This transfer, valued at around $130 million based on Rivian’s current stock price, has reduced Scaringe’s voting power from 7.6% earlier in the year to about 4%, marking the lowest level since Rivian’s 2021 IPO. The shares involved included Class B stock, which carries 10 votes per share, but these were converted into Class A stock in the settlement, significantly diminishing the voting influence of his ex-wife. Despite this reduction, Scaringe still controls a substantial mix of shares, options, and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), which could increase his ownership and voting power as they vest. The ownership landscape of Rivian has evolved since its IPO, with major stakeholders now including Amazon (14.2% ownership,
energyelectric-vehiclesRivianautomotive-industrybattery-technologyelectric-SUVselectric-trucksRivian receives the next $1B from Volkswagen as sales struggles continue
Rivian has secured the next $1 billion tranche from Volkswagen as part of their ongoing partnership, following the EV startup achieving its second-ever gross profit in Q1 2025. This funding comes through a share sale and builds on a prior $1 billion convertible note provided by Volkswagen late last year. The two companies have a joint venture valued at up to $5.8 billion, with Rivian contributing employee expertise and its software and electrical architecture designs, which Volkswagen plans to use in its future electric vehicles. Despite this financial boost, Rivian continues to face significant sales challenges. The company reported delivering 10,661 vehicles in Q2 2025, a 23% decline compared to the same quarter in 2024, and only a marginal improvement over its difficult first quarter. Rivian has lowered its 2025 sales forecast to between 40,000 and 46,000 EVs, which would still represent a decrease from previous years. Contributing factors include increased production costs
electric-vehiclesRivianVolkswagenautomotive-technologyEV-saleselectric-SUVselectric-pickup-trucksRivian cuts dozens on manufacturing team ahead of R2 launch
Rivian has laid off approximately 140 employees, about 1% of its workforce, primarily from its manufacturing team, as part of preparations for the launch of its more affordable R2 SUV scheduled for 2026. The layoffs began midweek and were attributed to efforts to eliminate "process inefficiencies" and improve operational efficiency ahead of the new vehicle’s release. Rivian confirmed the reductions and noted that affected employees are being encouraged to apply for other open roles within the company. The company started 2025 with over 14,800 employees across North America and Europe and has implemented multiple workforce reductions in recent years, including a 10% cut in early 2024 and another 1% reduction in April 2024. These ongoing layoffs reflect Rivian’s broader strategy to streamline operations as it prepares to expand its product lineup and compete in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
energyelectric-vehiclesmanufacturingRivianautomotive-industryoperational-efficiencylayoffsTechCrunch Mobility: How Jony Ive’s LoveFrom helped Rivian and what Uber’s next-generation playbook looks like
The article from TechCrunch Mobility provides insights into recent developments in the transportation and mobility sector, focusing on key industry players and emerging partnerships. It highlights Elon Musk’s ongoing turbulent relationship with political figures, particularly his fallout with former President Donald Trump, which may have broad implications for Tesla’s business, including its autonomous vehicle initiatives and regulatory dealings. The article notes Musk’s pattern of volatile alliances and predicts continued instability affecting Tesla’s robotaxi experiments and legislative efforts like the Autonomous Vehicle Acceleration Act. A significant revelation is that Jony Ive’s design firm LoveFrom collaborated with Rivian’s design team during the development of a skunkworks program that eventually became a standalone company, underscoring the importance of creative partnerships in automotive innovation. The piece also covers notable deals such as Joby Aviation’s memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabian conglomerate Abdul Latif Jameel, potentially accelerating Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle market entry in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, several startups received funding rounds, including Obvio, which uses AI to improve driving safety, Portless, an e-commerce logistics startup, and Toma, an AI voice technology company targeting car dealerships. The article briefly mentions executive changes at Uber, suggesting these shifts may signal strategic moves for the company’s next-generation mobility playbook, though details are incomplete. Overall, the piece offers a snapshot of dynamic collaborations, funding activities, and leadership changes shaping the future of transportation technology.
robotautonomous-vehicleselectric-vehiclesTeslaRivianmobility-technologytransportation-innovationJony Ive’s LoveFrom helped design Rivian’s first electric bike
LoveFrom, the creative firm founded by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, collaborated with Rivian on the development of the electric bike that marks Rivian’s first entry into micromobility. Over approximately 18 months, LoveFrom staff worked closely with Rivian’s design and engineering teams within a skunkworks program led by former Specialized executive Chris Yu. This secretive project, which began in early 2022, aimed to leverage Rivian’s EV technology to create a smaller, modular, and more affordable vehicle than its existing electric trucks and vans. LoveFrom’s involvement, starting in early 2023, focused on refining prototypes, user interface, user experience, and industrial design, bringing an interdisciplinary and international perspective to the product’s aesthetics and packaging. The skunkworks program eventually evolved into a startup called Also, backed by $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures and staffed by talent from Apple, Google, Tesla, and others. While details about the bike remain scarce, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe described it as “bike-like” with basic components such as a seat, two wheels, a screen, computers, and a battery. Both Scaringe and Yu hinted at a broader vision for Also to explore various micromobility formats beyond the initial electric bike. The company plans to unveil its first designs later in 2024. LoveFrom’s collaboration with Rivian extends beyond this project, having previously consulted on Rivian’s infotainment system and retail experience, underscoring a close and ongoing relationship between the two firms.
electric-bikeRivianmicromobilitybattery-technologyEV-technologymodular-designtransportation-innovationCharging Up On the Rivian Adventure Network
energycharging-networkrenewable-resourceselectric-vehiclesfast-chargingsustainabilityRivianRivian earnings: EV maker cuts delivery guidance because of Trump’s tariffs and trade wars
energyelectric-vehiclesEVsautomotive-industrytariffscapital-expenditureRivianRivian Aims To Cement Future EV Sales With New Park For Suppliers
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-manufacturingsupply-chaininnovation-hubRiviansupplier-parkRivian’s reportedly sitting on a stockpile of tariff-free batteries
energybatteriesRivianelectric-vehiclestariffslithium-iron-phosphatesupply-chain