Rivian’s Next Act: Are These the Unseen EVs Teased After Major VW Deal?
June 25, 2024
In a move that sent ripples through the automotive industry, Rivian surprised many by announcing a significant strategic partnership with Volkswagen. This collaboration, revealed just ahead of Rivian’s investor call, involves Volkswagen investing up to $5 billion in exchange for Rivian’s cutting-edge software expertise. However, the implications of this deal may extend far beyond software, as a closer look at Rivian’s latest shareholder letter reveals intriguing glimpses of what could be future vehicle models.
Unveiling the Shadows: What Lies Beneath the Covers?
While the focus has been on the recently unveiled R2, R3, and R3X, a slide presented by Rivian appears to showcase a broader spectrum of its EV lineup. The image, first highlighted by BloombergNEF’s Corey Cantor, displays distinct generations of Rivian vehicles. On the left, we see the initial R1S, R1T, and the Amazon delivery vans. Next are the second-generation R1 models, which have recently been put through their paces. But what lies beneath the sheet above these? Could this be the anticipated R1X?
Beyond the Known: New Silhouettes Emerge
The real intrigue lies further into the slide, where several SUV-like shapes are visible, seemingly distinct from the R2 and R3 families. These silhouettes suggest Rivian is developing additional models that have not yet been publicly detailed. The repetition of two covered shapes could indicate multiple variants of a single new model or perhaps placeholder images used due to the early stage of development. Industry analysts advise caution against drawing definitive conclusions until more concrete information is released.
When approached for comment, a Rivian spokesperson declined to discuss the matter, a standard response when automakers are preserving the secrecy of upcoming products. While the investor call provided limited details on specific future vehicles, this visual clue strongly suggests that Rivian is actively working on its next generation of trucks and SUVs, expanding its portfolio beyond the models that have already captured significant attention.