Rivian Now Available in All 50 US States

Rivian Achieves Full U.S. Certification for R1T and R1S

Rivian’s electric vehicles have now been certified by three key regulatory bodies, clearing the path for sales and deliveries of the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV across all 50 U.S. states.

The automaker confirmed to TechCrunch via email that full certification has been granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Air Resources Board.

Direct Sales Model and State Regulations

Rivian operates under a direct sales model, allowing customers to order vehicles online. However, dealer protection laws in numerous states traditionally restrict manufacturers from establishing their own retail stores.

These laws limit opportunities for customers to experience test drives and explore financing options directly with Rivian. Despite this, online ordering remains unrestricted in these states.

Currently, 22 states permit all vehicle manufacturers to sell directly to consumers. This allows Rivian to operate stores, showcase vehicles, provide test drives, and facilitate financing discussions.

An additional 11 states grant direct sales privileges exclusively to Tesla, another manufacturer utilizing a similar model, often with limitations on the number of locations.

Delivery Timeline and Recent Milestones

Rivian intends to commence deliveries of the R1T Launch Edition this month. The R1S SUV deliveries are anticipated to begin later in the year.

This certification news arrives following several recent announcements. Notably, the first production Rivian R1T, finished in “Rivian blue,” rolled off the assembly line at the company’s Normal, Illinois facility earlier this week.

The R1T and R1S have also received official EPA range ratings: 314 miles for the Launch Edition R1T pickup and 316 miles for the R1T SUV.

IPO Filing and Future Plans

These developments coincide with Rivian’s confidential submission of an initial public offering (IPO) filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company, which benefits from backing by investors including Ford and Amazon, has not yet disclosed the proposed offering’s size or price range.

Sources indicate that Rivian has not yet initiated the “roadshow” phase, a crucial step involving presentations to potential investors prior to going public.