Rivian setting stage for introduction of a test drive program

[EyeOnRivian]

@Jr Trated Not really following what you're trying to say nor how it relates to the test drive program. Plus, looks like the period button on your keyboard is broken which makes it even harder to read/understand.

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[jimcgov3]

@Jr Trated Not really following what you're trying to say nor how it relates to the test drive program. Plus, looks like the period button on your keyboard is broken which makes it even harder to read/understand.

1000% agree. I wanted to understand what the point was...

 

[Craig W.]

You shouldn't loose your $1000 deposit, Jr Trated, if you choose not to purchase a Rivian. BTW, I'm curious now... how many here are also Tesla owners?

 

[Alan Burns]

Does anyone have solid news on your expectation they would give preference to those with pre-orders? Always enjoy a trick question. Kidding aside, I suspect you meant any news toward the test drove program ... Personally I have not yet read anything official from Rivian. My impressions of Rivian is they tend to not announce something until either it's ready or very close to being ready (i.e. in stealth mode for over 9 yrs before showing "working" prototypes, announce attendance to events with little lead time (IMO), etc). Given that I suspect in addition to hiring people to run the program they probably won't announce anything until they work out most, if not all, of the logistics.

Once the factory in Normal, Il is up and running Rivian will start training assembly workers by building cars one at a time. This will work through assembly actions, parts flow and how to not scratch paint, wrinkle carpet and cut into seat leather. When the assembly is complete there is an example to test drive and debug. That should give Rivian 50-100 'prototype' vehicles to send out across the US, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Japan and Europe for reservation holders to drive.

I think the prototypes could be on the road in late 2019 or early 2020.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

Clearly the test drive program can't begin until Rivian can pop out a few cars. Your executive level overview of what needs to happen is certainly reasonable, but it's speculative unless you happen to know someone that works at Rivian. I'm sure Rivian has a timeline all laid out up to (and beyond) when the first EAV will roll off the production floor. Personally, the challenge for this nail-biter (figuratively) besides exercising patience in this long game, is to weed thru the small, very general morsels of information Rivian has released or alleged to have released to date.

Off the top of my head (so I might be forgetting something) this is what I've officially heard or read from Rivian in either videos or interviews. Perhaps those who have been at Rivian sponsored or attended events can expand on or provide updates to this.

* Factory readiness - Plant manager (?) mentioned in an interview the plant should be ready by end of September 2019.
* Configure vehicles to place orders - RJ and others have recently mentioned this should occur latter in 2019. I'm assuming this process may involve additional financing / payment or at least signing some such document obligating you to such payment including some penalty for canceling. (Not interested in how Tesla did this. I want to know how Rivian plans on rolling this out.)
* Test drive program - Officially announced but no details of where/when yet.
* Production launch - I mostly hear from Rivian late 2020, but from my pre-order confirmation email: "Production will begin in 2020." Additionally, "Fully equipped vehicles with the highest performance level and largest battery pack will enter production first. Our 180 kWh and 135 kWh packs will be available at launch with the 105 kWh to follow in 2021."

Regarding Rivian indicating we can start configuring our vehicle orders before the end of the year - That's great, but IMO (and I know others) Rivian will need to start releasing additional specs about the EAVs, warranty, servicing, and such before than. This includes being able to at least sit in either EAV, let alone take it for a test drive, before committing to an order. Otherwise, they better be prepared to start processing requests to cancel pre-orders and refund deposits.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

A small update I found on a different Rivian forum that reported some Rivian updates on their Twitter (I don't use Twitter) when someone asked about the test drives.

Hmm, "closer to production." Does that mean the "late 2020" production? Does that mean the pre-production of vehicles that will get built for testing, performance bench-marking, crash tests, test drive program, etc. (which I believe will begin toward the end of September when the Normal factory will be ready)?
How do you guys interpret Rivian's response?

IMO I think the questions needs to be more specific, E.g. "Will test drive tour program be available before or soon after we're able to configure our pre-order into an order?"

Perhaps someone with a Twitter account could post this or similar question to @Rivian on Twitter.

 

[timf]

I would not expect test drives to be available before ordering begins. There will be more than enough people to fill the early production slots who are willing to order sight unseen. I've been through it before with Tesla - my first time sitting in a Model X was a month after I confirmed my order. If you want to be an early adopter, you need to put some blind faith in the company and product.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

you need to put some blind faith in the company and product

I hear yea about ordering sight unseen, and yes, people have (Tesla as you said) and will do that. That doesn't mean it's acceptable nor that's what Rivian will do. Plus, this has nothing to do with blind faith of the company and product. Believe me I have plenty of that for Rivian. It's a matter of does one's physical body feel comfortable seating in and driving the vehicle - the seats, sight lines, feature placement, etc. I don't know about others but I don't have the time or disposable money to spend on a vehicle I may end up not being a good fit to drive on day one and then have to turn around and sell it. IMO that would be a complete waste of time, money and resources.

 

[skyote]

For a new/unproven company, I expect to be able to see, feel, and at least ride in a vehicle prior to making a very significant investment.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

A small update I found on a different Rivian forum that reported some Rivian updates on their Twitter (I don't use Twitter) when someone asked about the test drives.

Hmm, "closer to production." Does that mean the "late 2020" production? <snip>

It would appear "closer to production" indeed does mean "late 2020" as the above twitter post has made its way to the updated Rivian website FAQ section as such:

"Do you offer test drives?

Not yet, but we can’t wait to get you behind the wheel. We’ll be offering test drives closer to our launch at the end of 2020."​

Then I can only surmise we will not have the ability to sit in either EAV, let alone test drive one, before we're able to configure our pre-order into an actual order which Rivian stated is suppose to become available by the end of this year. However, it is not known what exactly "configuring one's pre-order" means with regard to any financial commitment, if any. It also begs the question what is the status and details of the test drive program.

Personally this is not welcomed news and unfortunately takes me a step in the direction to potentially either cancel my pre-order or at least delay configuring my EAV (assuming that's possible) until I can do a test drive.

IMO I think it would go a long way if Rivian could make available (at least to those who have submitted a pre-order) on what to expect between now and receiving one's EAV. E.g.,
* submit pre-order with 100% refundable deposit
* configure vehicle and what that entails - e.g. any financial commitments, amounts, payment and/or signing deadlines, etc
* purchasing details - e.g. additional / minimum percent down, buy or leasing details, etc.
* delivery process - e.g. locations, timing, etc
* take possession details - e.g. walk through, how handled if any defects/problems found, additional payment(s), etc

 

[skyote]

I wouldn't read that far into things. We already know that Rivian will not commit/promise anything without being fully confident.

It's going to be very tough for them to ask for additional financial commitment without test rides or drives, so I believe it will be before they ask for additional "lock in" fees. Wondering now if they might allow configurations before requiring additional $$; in the very least, this will provide them valuable info about market demand & supply chain needs.

I know it's tough (for me too), but best to just be patient & see how things play out.

 

[State11]

I wouldn't read that far into things. We already know that Rivian will not commit/promise anything without being fully confident.

It's going to be very tough for them to ask for additional financial commitment without test rides or drives, so I believe it will be before they ask for additional "lock in" fees. Wondering now if they might allow configurations before requiring additional $$; in the very least, this will provide them valuable info about market demand & supply chain needs.

I know it's tough (for me too), but best to just be patient & see hpw things play out.

I'm not sure if other Tesla owners feel the same, but if my wife had test driven her 3.....she would've likely backed out because it was such an overwhelming different driving experience. She refused to drive it for a week so that I could figure it out. Then we went to a vacant Toys R Us parking lot like she was 15 and she finally got behind the wheel. Now, you couldn't make her part with it. Considering how much she loves it now (me & our kids too for that matter), I'm completely ok without a test drive on the Rivian. There is no doubt that I'm going to love it test drive or not. 0-60 in 3 seconds, no visits to the gas station and 400 mile range to go with all the features that make my LR3 (and previous Discovery 2/Volvo x90) the perfect car for me.....there simply isn't any way for it not to be awesome. And at least with the off-road capabilities, will be a huge improvement there too. Can't wait!

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