In the world of electric vehicles, a new player is making waves, and some buyers are more than happy to jump ship from the Tesla reign. That newcomer is Rivian, an American automaker that's set to unveil its lineup of electric trucks and SUVs this year.
Twelve confirmed Rivian customers talked to CNN Business, and they couldn't be more thrilled about choosing Rivian over Tesla. They love the brand's emphasis on adventure-friendly vehicles that have a strong, traditional appearance with boxy shapes and a robust look.
It's clear some buyers have had their fill of Elon Musk, and Rivian seems like the refreshing change they've been waiting for. They feel that the company represents a more authentic commitment to the environment and a more respectful attitude towards people.
Take Carter Gibson from California, for instance. He hates arrogant CEOs and the product, and no amount of tweets from Musk can change his mind. Gibson swapped his Toyota 4Runner for a Rivian. Other fans of Tesla admit that their opinion of Musk has evolved over time, but still see Rivian as more genuinely dedicated to sustainability.
Rivian isn't just talk either. With a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and a 12-year history, the company has transformed into a legitimate automaker before selling its first vehicle. Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, has a long list of achievements under his belt, including purchasing the former Mitsubishi production facility in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, and securing investments from tech and automotive giants like Amazon and Ford.
Yet, Rivian's road to success isn't guaranteed. Building loyalty and an extensive service network will be a challenge. The company must also prove it can mass-produce and do so profitably, a hurdle that Tesla, despite some difficulties, has managed to clear.
Rivian seems ready for the challenge, though. Its offering of accessories, like tents, bikes, and ski racks, strikes a chord with the eco-conscious buyers. Plus, the company even gives out welcome kits to future customers, demonstrating the care they invest in their customers' experiences.
Some buyers like Matt Bowen of Jersey appreciate how Rivian taps into a "feel good" vibe by partnering with eco-friendly organizations and offering unique features like a kitchenette in its trucks. With Rivian, it's more than just purchasing a vehicle. It's about being part of a community with a shared environmental mission.
Even Andy Crews, a Model S owner from the San Francisco Bay Area, sees Rivian as a different kind of company that cares about combating global warming and running its charging infrastructure from 100% renewable energy. Sure, Tesla has made similar claims in the past, but Rivian's promises feel more earnest and backed by actions.
So, is Rivian promising too much and delivering too little? Perhaps, but with a dedicated team, impressive partnerships, and a promising product lineup, it seems ready to make good on those promises. It'll be a thrilling ride watching people draft away from Tesla and unfold Rivian's journey as it challenges the EV market.
