History of Rivian in Timeline

Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology company established in 2009. It produces electric SUVs, pickup trucks (R1T), and delivery vans (EDV) using a unique 'skateboard' platform adaptable for other vehicles. R1T deliveries began in late 2021. Rivian also planned to establish a dedicated charging network across the US and Canada.

December 20, 2018: Alex Honnold announces partnership with Rivian

On December 20, 2018, professional rock climber Alex Honnold announced his partnership with Rivian, becoming a brand partner and collaborator.

June 15, 2019: Rivian announces collaboration with Honnold Foundation and Casa Pueblo

On June 15, 2019, Rivian announced plans to collaborate with the Honnold Foundation and Casa Pueblo on a solar project, aiming to establish a microgrid in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. Rivian planned to repurpose used battery packs from its development vehicles into stationary energy storage units. The microgrid is intended to grant residents access to electricity for core business and will be used daily to mitigate the high cost of energy in Puerto Rico.

2019: Rivian partners with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman for 'Long Way Up'

In 2019, Rivian partnered with actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman to provide prototypes for use as logistics vehicles and camera cars for the British TV series Long Way Up. They also set up 240 level 2 charging stations at 140 locations, along the route from Tierra del Fuego to Los Angeles.

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July 2020: Tesla sues Rivian for stealing proprietary information

In July 2020, Tesla sued Rivian for allegedly stealing proprietary information, as well as for poaching employees.

March 2021: Illinois Automobile Dealers Association files lawsuit against Rivian

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

November 2021: Laura Schwab files suit against Rivian for discrimination

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

2024: Rivian factory cited for 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."