rivian
A brief history about rivian:
Rivian Automotive began as a bold vision from Robert “RJ” Scaringe, who founded the company under the name Avera Automotive in Florida. Initially, the startup aimed to enter the electric vehicle market with a compact hybrid sports coupe called the Avera Coupe, a 2+2 concept designed to attract early investors. Despite its innovative character, the project failed to gain traction, leading Scaringe to reconsider his approach. Recognizing that pickup trucks represented a vastly larger and underserved segment for electrification, he redirected the company’s focus in 2011 and renamed it Rivian Automotive. This pivot would ultimately define the company’s identity and future success.
The early years were difficult, with limited funding and a small, uncertain team. Scaringe’s decision to shift toward electric adventure vehicles revitalized Rivian’s mission, convincing both engineers and investors that the company had a real opportunity to make an impact. In 2015, Rivian secured major investment and relocated its headquarters to Michigan, positioning itself near established automotive suppliers and talent. This move gave the startup credibility in the heartland of America’s auto industry and access to vital infrastructure and partnerships.
In 2016, Rivian began negotiating the purchase of Mitsubishi’s former manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. By January 2017, the deal was finalized for $16 million, giving the young automaker a fully functional production facility. At the time, Rivian had only about 100 employees, but the acquisition marked the beginning of its transformation from a small engineering outfit into a full-scale manufacturer. Within months, the company expanded to over 160 employees, working to design and build an entirely new electric architecture from the ground up.
Financial backing soon followed. In late 2017, Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation invested $200 million, signaling growing confidence in Rivian’s potential. Additional funding came in 2018, when Standard Chartered Bank extended another $200 million in debt financing. These investments culminated in Rivian’s long-awaited public debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, where the company unveiled two prototypes — the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Both vehicles shared a modular “skateboard” platform that integrated batteries, motors, and suspension components into a single low-slung chassis, providing exceptional performance and off-road capability.
Rivian’s innovative approach quickly attracted major corporate partners. Amazon invested $700 million in 2019 and placed a landmark order for 100,000 electric delivery vans, aiming to electrify its logistics fleet. The deal gave Rivian enormous visibility and financial security while also setting a new standard for electric commercial transport. By November 2020, the company had expanded to more than 3,000 employees, working across design, engineering, software, and production.
Ford Motor Company also announced a $500 million investment in April 2019, initially intending to collaborate on electric vehicle development. Although the partnership was eventually dissolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rivian maintained its momentum. The company adapted to remote operations during the crisis, continuing the final stages of development for its first production models — the R1T pickup and R1S SUV.
In 2021, Rivian officially entered the market with the R1T, becoming the first manufacturer to deliver an all-electric pickup truck ahead of major competitors. Built on the versatile skateboard platform, the R1T combined rugged off-road performance with luxury, technology, and impressive range. The R1S SUV followed shortly after, solidifying Rivian’s reputation as a pioneer in the electric adventure vehicle segment.
Rivian’s journey from a small Florida startup to a global EV contender illustrates the power of persistence and innovation. By blending American utility with futuristic design and sustainability, the company has redefined what electric vehicles can achieve — both on the highway and far beyond it.
Current Models
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