History of Rivian in Timeline

Rivian Automotive, founded in 2009, is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its electric SUV, the R1T pickup truck, and the Rivian EDV electric delivery van, all built on a unique 'skateboard' platform. Rivian began delivering its R1T in late 2021 and aimed to establish a proprietary charging network across the United States and Canada by the end of 2023.

2009: Rivian Founded as Mainstream Motors

In 2009, Rivian was initially founded in Rockledge, Florida, under the name Mainstream Motors by Robert "RJ" Scaringe.

2018: Rivian employee count at 250

At the start of 2018, Rivian employed 250 people.

July 2020: Tesla Sues Rivian for Alleged Theft of Proprietary Information

In July 2020, Tesla initiated a lawsuit against Rivian, accusing the company of stealing proprietary information and poaching employees.

March 2021: Illinois Automobile Dealers Association Files Lawsuit Against Rivian and Lucid Motors

In March 2021, the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association filed a lawsuit against Rivian and Lucid Motors due to their plans to sell electric vehicles directly to consumers.

November 2021: Laura Schwab Files Suit Against Rivian

In November 2021, Rivian's former sales and marketing vice president Laura Schwab filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging she was fired after raising concerns about discrimination and a "boys' club" environment, also claiming that she warned company executives of their vehicles being underpriced and manufacturing process not conforming to security standards.

March 7, 2024: Rivian Unveils R2 and R3

On March 7, 2024, Rivian introduced the R2 SUV with a starting price of $45,000, significantly lower than its existing models, and also unveiled the R3, an even more affordable option than the R2.

June 25, 2024: Volkswagen Group Intends to Invest in Rivian

On June 25, 2024, the Volkswagen Group announced its plan to invest up to $5 billion in Rivian, starting with an initial $1 billion and an additional $4 billion expected by 2026. This commitment includes $1 billion for each of 2025 and 2026, plus $2 billion in 2026 for a potential joint venture to develop electrical architecture and software technology.

July 29, 2024: German Competition Authority Approves Rivian and Volkswagen Group Joint Venture

On July 29, 2024, it was reported that Germany's competition authority gave the green light to the joint venture planned by Rivian and Volkswagen Group.

2024: Rivian Factory Safety Violations

According to Bloomberg, in 2024 Rivian's only factory has racked up more US safety violations initially deemed “serious” than any other automaker since the start of last year.

2024: Volkswagen Announces Joint Venture with Rivian

In 2024, Volkswagen announced that they would form a joint venture with Rivian.

2030: Amazon's target for the delivery of 100,000 Rivian vans

As of 2019, Amazon expected to have as many as 10,000 electric vans in operation by 2022, but was not planning to take delivery of the entire 100,000 Rivian vans the contract calls for until 2030. This is part of Amazon's plan to convert its delivery fleet to 100% renewable energy by 2030.