États-Unis
Rivian
Rivian is an American automaker specializing in electric vehicles, founded in 2009 by engineer Robert "RJ" Scaringe, who holds a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The company first came to life under the name Mainstream Motors, then Avera Automotive, before adopting the name Rivian, inspired by the "Indian River" near Melbourne, Florida, where Scaringe grew up. The founder's stated mission was to accelerate the transition to decarbonized mobility. After a few years of quiet work on various technical approaches, Rivian pivoted toward electric adventure and utility vehicles. A pivotal milestone came in 2017, when the company acquired a former automotive assembly plant in Normal, Illinois, for roughly 16 million dollars, which became its main production site in North America. In 2018, Rivian unveiled two flagship vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, built on a dedicated "skateboard" platform. The company attracted major investors, including Amazon and Ford, with the latter later ending a joint development project. Amazon ordered a fleet of electric delivery vans (EDV), strengthening Rivian's commercial side. The first R1T deliveries began in late 2021. That same year, Rivian completed its initial public offering (IPO), one of the largest in the world since 2014, briefly valuing the company at a very high level. Since then, Rivian has expanded its lineup with the more affordable mid-size R2 and R3 models, and announced the construction of a new plant in Social Circle, Georgia. The company remains young and growing, still in the phase of ramping up industrial output and seeking profitability, but it has established itself as one of the most closely watched American electric automakers after Tesla.
ActivePerformanceÉlectrique / hybrideCamion / utilitaireAméricaines
History
History of Rivian
Rivian is an American automaker specializing in electric vehicles, founded in 2009 by engineer Robert "RJ" Scaringe, who holds a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The company first came to life under the name Mainstream Motors, then Avera Automotive, before adopting the name Rivian, inspired by the "Indian River" near Melbourne, Florida, where Scaringe grew up. The founder's stated mission was to accelerate the transition to decarbonized mobility. After a few years of quiet work on various technical approaches, Rivian pivoted toward electric adventure and utility vehicles. A pivotal milestone came in 2017, when the company acquired a former automotive assembly plant in Normal, Illinois, for roughly 16 million dollars, which became its main production site in North America. In 2018, Rivian unveiled two flagship vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, built on a dedicated "skateboard" platform. The company attracted major investors, including Amazon and Ford, with the latter later ending a joint development project. Amazon ordered a fleet of electric delivery vans (EDV), strengthening Rivian's commercial side. The first R1T deliveries began in late 2021. That same year, Rivian completed its initial public offering (IPO), one of the largest in the world since 2014, briefly valuing the company at a very high level. Since then, Rivian has expanded its lineup with the more affordable mid-size R2 and R3 models, and announced the construction of a new plant in Social Circle, Georgia. The company remains young and growing, still in the phase of ramping up industrial output and seeking profitability, but it has established itself as one of the most closely watched American electric automakers after Tesla.
Public founding or origin of Rivian.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Rivian designs 100% electric vehicles built on a "skateboard" platform that houses the battery, powertrains, suspension, and thermal management beneath the floor, freeing up the cabin. The R1 lineup offers dual-, tri-, or quad-motor configurations, with torque vectoring that allows precise wheel-by-wheel control, useful both for off-road driving and for performance. An adaptive air suspension adjusts ride height. Rivian relies on an in-house centralized electronic architecture, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, driver-assistance systems (Rivian Autonomy), and robust towing and rock-crawling capabilities. The R2 and R3 models are based on a new, more affordable mid-size platform. On the safety front, the R1S earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
A premium American adventure EV maker, specializing in high-performance, off-road-capable pickups and SUVs.
Reputation
Rivian enjoys a very favorable perception among its owners: Consumer Reports reports one of the highest satisfaction rates in the industry, with about 85% of buyers saying they would buy the brand again. Reviews praise its performance, off-road capabilities, and "adventure" character. Predicted reliability, however, remains a weak point: Rivian ranks among the lowest-rated brands on this criterion, with complaints of cabin noises, software bugs, and service and parts delays. Resale value is considered solid for a recent automaker. Safety is well rated.
Strengths
High electric performance, real off-road and towing capabilities, a versatile and well-engineered platform, a spacious cabin, modern onboard technology with over-the-air updates, very high owner satisfaction, and a distinctive "adventure" brand image in the segment of North American electric pickups and SUVs.
Points to watch
Below-average predicted reliability, reported cabin noises and software bugs, a service network and parts availability still in development, high pricing on the R1 lineup, range reduced by the weight and large tires, and a young company that has not yet achieved sustained profitability or full industrial maturity.
Models
Rivian models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
Rivian currently assembles its vehicles at its plant in Normal, Illinois, acquired in 2017 and now its main production site in North America. The plant produces the R1T pickup, the R1S SUV, commercial vans (including the EDVs for Amazon), as well as the new R2, following an expansion of the site. Rivian has begun construction of a second large plant in Social Circle (Stanton Springs North), Georgia, intended in particular for the R2 and R3, with customer production expected around 2028 and a targeted capacity of up to 300,000 vehicles per year. The headquarters is located in Irvine, California.
Tires and wheels
The Rivian R1T and R1S ride on large wheels, typically 20, 21, or 22 inches depending on the trim and generation, with wide tires of 275 and up at the rear on certain configurations. The common bolt pattern is 5x139.7 mm (5x5.5 in) with a hub bore of about 64 mm. In Quebec, dedicated winter tires are essential given the vehicle's high weight and the traction of an electric vehicle. The 20-inch wheels, fitted with all-season or all-terrain tires, offer the most replacement choices, better wear, and more range, while the 22-inch wheels wear faster. Always confirm dimensions and load ratings.