Rivian Brings “Educational Drives” to Seattle

Big news for Rivian fans in Washington: you can now take the R1T or R1S for a spin at the Seattle Rivian Space! Thanks to a clever workaround, these Educational Drives are finally legal in a state that’s been strict about direct-to-consumer sales.

Instead of a standard test drive, Rivian’s Educational Drives let you learn about the brand and experience what makes their vehicles the ultimate electric adventure machines. From the quad-motor setup to off-road features, it’s a hands-on crash course in Rivian awesomeness.

Community Advocacy Made This Possible

This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Rivian supporters, especially the members of the Emerald City Rivian Club. During the Department of Licensing’s recent rulemaking process, community members stepped up to share testimony and advocate for a solution. Their contributions helped pave the way for Rivian to offer Educational Drives, giving Washingtonians a chance to get behind the wheel of these groundbreaking electric vehicles.

While this new development allows for demonstration drives, it doesn’t yet permit Rivian to sell vehicles directly to consumers in Washington. However, advocacy efforts are far from over. On February 6th, Rivian supporters will gather at the Washington State Capitol to push for legislation that supports direct sales and clean transportation.

Here’s what’s happening next (and how you can help):

• Lobby Day on February 6th: Rivian and its supporters will rally at the Capitol to advocate for consumer choice in purchasing vehicles directly from manufacturers.

• Direct Sales Bill Introduction: Representative Beth Doglio is introducing a bill to allow direct-to-consumer sales for all zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) manufacturers. The bill includes provisions that benefit dealerships as well, aiming for a win-win scenario.
• Spreading the Word: Rivian is launching a coalition to support the bill and will soon issue a call to action to gather broader public support.

This is a critical moment for Washington’s clean transportation future. The current rules give one car company an exclusive exception, but the new legislation would level the playing field for all EV manufacturers while empowering consumers with more purchasing options.

Why It Matters

Washington’s historical restrictions on direct-to-consumer sales have been a roadblock for EV companies like Rivian. These Educational Drives are a workaround, but they’re also a first step toward broader access to Rivian’s electric adventure vehicles. With continued community advocacy, Washington could soon join the growing list of states where direct sales are legal, giving consumers more freedom to buy EVs how and where they want.

How to Book

Ready to experience the R1T or R1S for yourself? Stop by the Rivian Space in Seattle or book your drive online.

Rivian’s Educational Drives are more than a legal workaround—they’re a chance to explore why these vehicles are redefining what it means to drive electric. Let’s keep driving change, both on and off the road!