• Welcome to Elio Owners! Join today, registration is easy!

    You can register using your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account, just click here.

Ford Invests $500m In Rivian

BigWarpGuy

Elio Addict
Joined
Feb 28, 2014
Messages
627
Reaction score
792
Location
Newburyport MA
Rivian. I wonder how many companies could build a body designed to fit this platform?
rivian-r1t-skateboard-cutaway.jpg
 

RSchneider

Elio Addict
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
2,792
Reaction score
1,912
Location
Hellertown, PA
Rivian. I wonder how many companies could build a body designed to fit this platform?
rivian-r1t-skateboard-cutaway.jpg
I know it won't be GM because they were going to partner with them and it never materialized. I will predict Ford and VW will make actual bodies for that platform (Ford and VW partnered up for small pickups). Literally, any company with body on frame experience, could throw a body on that platform (truck or SUV). Just from, looking at it, it's got to be a massive money maker due to it's simplicity and ease of manufacture/service. No wonder Ford invested. Then since we here in the US are forcing VW to spend $2B to electrify America due to the TDI scandal and VW expanding their plant in Chattanooga for EV's, the next 5 years will be interesting to see how this plays out.

I did read that Rivian is going to set up a test drive program, so people that want to put down a $1K refundable deposit, can drive one before they do. That's a good idea because that thing is so expensive. Plus, they will build the more expensive ones first and cheaper ones later,.
 

RSchneider

Elio Addict
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
2,792
Reaction score
1,912
Location
Hellertown, PA
"Plus, they will build the more expensive ones first and cheaper ones later."

Same concept as TESLA.
What I like is that it's right on their website more than once and when you put down your $1K refundable deposit.
Preorders require a deposit of $1,000. Production will begin in 2020. Fully-equipped vehicles with the highest performance level and largest battery pack will enter production first. Our 180 kWh and 135 kWh packs will be available at launch, with the base variant to follow within 12 months of the start of production. You can cancel your preorder and receive a full refund at any time by sending an email to preorders@rivian.com. Rivian will execute your refund within 3 business days. Depending on your bank, you may not be able to access the refunded amount for up to 7 days.

I think it's a good idea to have the most profitable versions first. This is because the Rivian Owners will be posting non stop on their respective forums and social media groups. Having the most range and the high line version just upsells the product down the road. People will second guess themselves and then get the more expensive version.

Plus with Rivian having to answer to Ford and Amazon. When Jeff Bezos or Bill Ford emails RJ Scaringe about when production will begin, they will not receive a response of:
"Thanks for your interest in Rivian Motors. For all of the latest updates please go to https://www.rivian.com/news
Thank You
The Rivian Team"
 
Top Bottom