Any discussion about Rivian’s success or failure is speculative. I didn’t come here to complain about a recent experience. It was a genuine concern about how the company operates and uses economies of scale. Just wanted to know if anyone else had the same observations.Why would you ask a question that literally nobody on this forum is properly equipped to answer (other than the obvious rhetorical purpose of an opportunity to complain about a recent experience). Maybe email RJ asking him this question, because the honest answer from everyone here is ?‍
The VW investment is good but it’s a phased disbursement. Everyone has high hopes for R2 but Rivian still has a lot to prove with the R1 line. I say that because they have to prove they can consistently make a gross profit on a higher margin car before they can successfully make gross profit on a lower margin, higher volume vehicle like R2. I really don’t think it’s a matter of Rivian closing its doors, it just may be a longer, rougher journey to success.
Totally agree on all points. I took possession of my 2025 R1S Tri-motor about 2 months ago and have put about 3,000 miles on it. Every step of the purchase process was sloppy, slow, uninformed and two months after taking delivery Rivian is still trying to figure out how to fill out the registration and title paperwork correctly so I can get my truck registered and my permanent plates; thus far they've sent the paperwork back to me twice with semi-literate post-it-notes directing unclear messages. Three years into delivery they don't have the retail supervision to have this process down pat?
You want someone to give a definitive yes or a definitive no, which is not possible. No amount of explanation will answer your actual question.
I get this argument, but Rivian is in a hell of a better place to sell EVs than Tesla was back in year 1-7……. And that’s a good thing. More EVs selling the better
I see about 4 a week here in a big city. Phoenix. Model Y? See one every 3 seconds lol
How do you figure that? Tons of competition, a global pandemic, supply chain disruptions and now high interest rates and an economic slowdown are all reasons Rivian has had a tougher row to hoe than Tesla did.
What I meant was it’s a lot easier today to sell an EV than it was back in 2015. EVs have come a long way in the marketplace
Issue is Tesla had 0 competition. Rivian has a ton for the R2. When you are first, you get more leeway. When you are 10th, you must be perfect.
That's fair.
True. But trying to convert people who were drive ICE for a century is no easy task either. Both had different challenges. Where Tesla kicks Rivian’s ass is manufacturing and saving money there. Rivian is learning though. Look at all they shaved with the G2
That’s great your sales reps were on point. My local sales rep told me the standard LFP pack can be software unlocked at a later date. He als said he was texting me his contact info, never did. I called several times to get anyone at the local sales center to call me, no one ever called back. The first corporate rep I talked to told me Rivians never qualified for any tax credits. The second corporate rep I talked to said she had no clue how the leasing works. Rivian expects a non-refundable $1k deposit before Chase will talk to you about the terms of their financing and leasing options.
I understand the battery and drivetrain options. I brought it up because there are a lot of configurations for a manufacturer that only sells 50k units across 3 models. That can’t be good for economies of scale and efficient manufacturing when striving for healthy gross margin profit.
Good info. Tesla’s woes are definitely self-inflicted. Elon’s shenanigans and the stale model line up is in my opinion, the reason for Tesla’s stagnation. But Rivian’s parts shortage was also self-inflicted. I believe I read they miscommunicated the quantity needed form a supplier.
I’m hoping they have some ambitious but feasible production goals.
I agree, the future is bright. Having a cult following and a brand like Tesla whose CEO is causing owners to leave their brand, creates a huge opportunity for Rivian. Amazon and VW partnerships are huge stabilizers. But Rivian will have to show they have what it takes to move wisely. Create an impressive product at a competitive price, while making a profit.
