The Sunday Drive, Rivian Week in Review, July 20 to July 26, 2026
Rivian halts Half Moon Grey R2 deliveries, sues the federal government over tariff refunds, and puts out a charging adapter warning. Plus R2 battery pack costs, a tire efficiency breakdown,… · Rivian
Don’t Expect Leasing When Rivian R2 Launches
Rivian may not offer leasing when the R2 launches, and history suggests that should not come as a surprise. Leasing was not available at R1 launch and still is not offered in every state or in Canada today.
How Rivian Turned Its Commercial Van Into an Electric Ambulance for Grey’s Anatomy
Rivian partnered with Grey’s Anatomy to create a fully electric ambulance built on its Commercial Van platform. The custom “vanbulance” improves air quality on set while showcasing the real world potential of electric emergency vehicles.
Tesla Just Gave Up on Drivers and Handed Rivian an Opening
Tesla’s decision to walk away from the Model S and Model X is more than a product shuffle, it is a clear signal of where the company is headed. As Tesla doubles down on autonomy, Robotaxi, and AI, it is leaving behind a segment of drivers who still value the act of driving itself. That shift creates an opening for brands like Rivian and others to step in, building vehicles for people who want control, engagement, and choice, not just a ride from point A to point B.
Rivian Pledges Millions to Change Washington’s EV Sales Laws Amid Clear Conflict of Interest
Rivian is committing millions of dollars to change Washington’s EV sales laws after years of stalled legislation. With Washington being one of Rivian’s strongest markets and a clear conflict of interest blocking progress in the legislature, the company is now preparing to take the fight directly to voters.
Rivian’s Next Big Challenge Isn’t Hardware, It’s Software Segmentation
As Rivian prepares to launch R2, the company is facing a challenge that goes far beyond new hardware. Supporting Gen 1, Gen 2, and an entirely new platform at the same time forces Rivian to confront how it manages software at scale. The Gen 2 transition already showed how difficult fragmented updates can be, and R2 raises the stakes even higher. How Rivian handles software segmentation next may determine how fast the company can innovate without leaving owners behind.
Rivian Confirms LFP Battery Calibration Issue Persists Months After Initial Owner Reports
Months after Rivian first acknowledged an LFP battery range calibration issue affecting Gen 2 R1 Dual Standard vehicles, owners are once again receiving guidance from Rivian Engineering. Despite running the latest software, the continued outreach suggests the issue is still being actively mitigated rather than fully resolved.
Rivian Partners With Pantone to Define Its Signature Green
Rivian has officially partnered with Pantone to standardize Rivian Green, the signature color that grew out of early R1 production and became a core part of the brand’s identity. By locking in this nuanced green across vehicles, materials, and digital experiences, Rivian is ensuring its design language scales with the same precision as its engineering.
Rivian Returns to SXSW 2026 as Headliner With R2 in the Spotlight
Rivian is returning to SXSW in 2026 as a headline partner for the second consecutive year, and this time the spotlight is…
Rivian Shares First Look at R2 En Route to Route 66
Not long after Rivian confirmed that manufacturing validation builds of R2 are rolling off the line in Normal, Illinois, the company shared…
Rivian’s R2 Reaches Major Production Milestone With Manufacturing Validation Build Vehicles
Just a year ago, Rivian’s R2 expansion in Normal, IL was nothing more than a concrete slab. Today, Rivian has hit a…