Tag: Rivian

Flat-towing, or flat towing, of electric vehicles (EV) presents technical challenges that make it more complicated compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

While in combustion vehicles the transmissions can be put in neutral or the axles can be disengaged to allow the wheels to spin freely, in EVs this is not so simple.

The mechanics of electric motors and their integration with propulsion systems complicates the process.

Flat towing! Dear lord please make this happen! ????? https://t.co/kinku00MCu

— RandomCrafts (@rj_crafts) February 27, 2025

This is how they want to solve the decoupling problem

In light of this situation, several companies are working on innovative solutions. Stellantis, for example, has proposed a solution for vehicles with permanent magnet motors.

In a patent filed in July 2023 and published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the company suggests the use of a high-voltage bus that induces a weakening of the magnetic field in the motors, allowing the wheels to turn without damaging the system, while being isolated from the battery.

For its part, Rivian has presented an alternative that involves using software to disconnect the motors during towing, while Ford has gone a step further by suggesting that electric vehicles could charge their batteries while being towed.

This functionality could even allow EVs to assist the vehicle that tows them on inclines, similar to what some startup trailers like Pebble and Lightship have implemented.

Although flat-towing is not a primary concern for all EV buyers, it is quite popular among recreational vehicle (RV) owners. Additionally, these innovations could make it easier to recover stuck electric vehicles, reducing the need for flatbed tow trucks.

If these patents are applied in production vehicles, they could have a significant impact on electric mobility and the convenience of its use.

Rivian’s (RIVN) shares experienced a drop of nearly 10% yesterday, reaching a new annual low.

This drop occurs despite the fact that the company reported its first gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a total of $170 million, a significant improvement of $776 million compared to the same period last year.

Rivian, which manufactured 49,476 vehicles and delivered 51,579 last year, projects deliveries between 46,000 and 51,000 units for 2025. This slight reduction in delivery expectations is due to external factors, including changing government policies.

Wow, massive selloff in the market. That's why it's always great to have shorts going on shitty companies since they always selloff disproportionally. For example, Rivian is such a stock: Rivian is down over 9%.

You may consider Rivian a great 'brand' but this has absolutely… pic.twitter.com/ayue5lOgwJ

— AJ (@alojoh) February 24, 2025

A lot of competition and a very changing electricity market

Bank of America analysts have expressed concerns about a more aggressive competitive landscape, with new brands like Lucid, GM, and Volkswagen (VW) potentially impacting sales projections.

Recently, Bank of America downgraded Rivian’s stock from “Neutral” to “Underperform,” lowering its price target from $13 to $10, citing a weaker delivery forecast. Despite this negative assessment, some analysts like Needham and Wells Fargo have raised their price targets, acknowledging that Rivian remains one of the most viable electric vehicle startups in the market.

Additionally, Rivian has closed a joint venture agreement with Volkswagen, valued at up to $5.8 billion, although this agreement could complicate short-term profit projections. In the long term, Rivian plans to begin production of its more affordable SUV, the R2, in mid-2025, which could help improve its market position.

Despite securing a loan of up to $6.6 billion with the U.S. Department of Energy, uncertainty persists due to potential changes under the Trump administration, which has expressed its intention to freeze federal loans.

Rivian has announced a recall of more than 17,000 vehicles, specifically the 2025 R1S SUV and R1T electric models, due to a problem with the headlights that only manifests in cold weather.

The company notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that these vehicles may experience low beam headlight failures when starting in cold conditions, which generates an error message on the driver’s panel indicating “Low beams not functioning”.

However, Rivian has clarified that there have been no accidents or injuries related to this mechanical issue.

Rivian is recalling over 17,000 R1S and R1T vehicles due to faulty headlights https://t.co/5WDnvG7dvT by @EVPeteJohnson

— Electrek.co (@ElectrekCo) February 21, 2025

A flaw that may affect Rivian vehicles manufactured in the last 6 months

The defect is due to the affected models, produced between April 29, 2024, and February 3, 2025, incorporating incorrect components from their suppliers, which do not meet federal safety standards.

To mitigate this problem, the company will replace the headlight control module at no cost to the owners, who will receive notifications on March 28, 2025.

Despite this situation, Rivian has reported significant progress. The company achieved its first positive gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2024, an important milestone in its growth strategy.

During that year, Rivian delivered 51,579 vehicles, although it anticipates a slight decrease in 2025, forecasting between 46,000 and 51,000 units. This decline is attributed, in part, to the preparation of its plant in Normal, Illinois, for the production of the new electric SUV R2.

The R2, which will be launched in the first half of 2026, will have a base price of approximately $45,000, which represents almost half the cost of the R1S and R1T models. With this move, Rivian aims to expand its share in the electric vehicle market and adapt to the growing demand.

Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, will report its fourth quarter earnings for 2024 this Thursday after the market closes.

Expectations are high as the company aims to achieve its first positive gross profit after making aggressive cost cuts last year.

Despite facing a supply shortage that hindered its growth, Rivian has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving an improvement in profitability.

BREAKING NEWS: @Rivian has confirmed it has achieved a gross profit of $170 million in Q4 2024. pic.twitter.com/eNLeF2Dktd

— RivianTrackr (@RivianTrackr) February 20, 2025

Rivian is on track to be profitable very soon

During the last quarter, Rivian delivered 14,183 vehicles, exceeding its annual forecasts of between 50,500 and 52,000 units, with a total of deliveries amounting to 51,579. Production reached 49,476 vehicles, meeting a revised target due to component shortages.

Rivian’s net losses decreased to $1.1 billion in the third quarter, and vehicle costs significantly dropped to $39,000, compared to $139,000 in 2022.

This improvement is due, in part, to advances in supply contracts and enhancements in its plants, where it is expected that in the last months of 2024, the company will achieve a “modest gross profit.”

Recently, Rivian established a joint venture with Volkswagen, valued at up to $5.8 billion, which could open new growth opportunities. Meanwhile, the company is preparing to launch its mid-size electric SUV, the R2, as well as other more affordable models, which will be vital for its long-term expansion.

However, Rivian faces challenges, including a federal loan of $6.6 billion that is now at risk due to a possible freeze by the new administration. Despite these obstacles, Rivian remains optimistic about the future and the potential of its new models to drive its growth and profitability.

Rivian (a company you surely know) has presented a new version of its R1 Tri-Motor vehicle, called ‘California Dune Edition’, which focuses on off-road performance.

This special edition has generated expectations following a teaser sent by the company, which hinted at an announcement related to the California desert.

The company has met expectations, not only by introducing an exclusive color but also a package of options designed to maximize the vehicle’s off-road capability.

CALIFORNIA DUNE. LIMITED EDITION.

Just dropped. Catch it while you can. https://t.co/FcIprb20fr pic.twitter.com/eJdKt8ryrf

— Rivian (@Rivian) February 19, 2025

This is Rivian’s all-terrain vehicle designed for the desert

The ‘California Dune Edition’ incorporates exterior and interior colors inspired by the desert landscapes of California. To suit its more rugged approach, Rivian has replaced the ‘Ascend’ interior, which offers more luxury and technology, with an ‘Adventure’ interior that prioritizes durability and functionality in tough terrains.

Among the highlighted technical features is an all-terrain package, which provides smaller tires to improve performance on uneven surfaces, a spare tire, and a reinforced underbody shield. Additionally, the vehicle also comes with MAXTRAX recovery boards, essential for getting out of tricky situations in deep sand.

The price of the California Dune Edition remains the same as that of the standard R1 Tri-Motor, starting at $99,900 for the R1T model and $105,900 for the R1S. Buyers can already purchase this edition at Rivian.com. Additionally, the model will be showcased at the SXSW festival, which will take place in Austin, Texas, from March 7 to 15, at Rivian’s Electric Roadhouse.

Rivian continues to expand its electric vehicle offerings, aligning with the growing trend towards more sustainable and high-performance transportation alternatives, especially for off-road enthusiasts.