## Overview
Rivian Automotive, Inc. is an American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer and automotive technology company that has quickly become one of the most closely watched players in the industry[1]. Founded in 2009 by CEO RJ Scaringe, Rivian is headquartered in Irvine, California, with its main manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, and additional facilities in California, Michigan, British Columbia, Arizona, England, and Serbia[1]. The company designs and builds electric SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial delivery vans, all on a flexible "skateboard" platform that can support a variety of future vehicle types[1].
## History and Key Achievements
Rivian spent its early years developing its proprietary electric vehicle platform and technology in relative secrecy, emerging publicly in 2018 with prototypes of its R1T pickup and R1S SUV. The company began deliveries of the R1T in late 2021, marking a significant milestone as one of the first to bring a fully electric pickup truck to market[1]. Rivian’s vehicles are notable for their off-road capabilities, advanced technology features, and focus on sustainability.
The company has also secured major commercial partnerships, most notably with Amazon, for which it produces the Electric Delivery Van (EDV)[1]. This deal is part of Amazon’s commitment to deploy 100,000 custom electric delivery vehicles by 2030, a massive endorsement of Rivian’s technology and manufacturing capacity. Rivian went public in November 2021, raising over $13.5 billion—one of the largest IPOs of the year[1].
## Current Status and Notable Aspects
As of late 2025, Rivian continues to expand its manufacturing footprint, with plans for a $5 billion factory in Georgia that will eventually have an annual production capacity of 400,000 vehicles[1]. The company is also establishing an East Coast headquarters in Atlanta and expanding its global presence with offices in Amsterdam