Rivian’s Q3 2024 earnings report underscores a period of pivotal developments for the company as it continues its journey toward operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Facing a mixture of production hurdles and strategic advancements, Rivian’s results reveal a focus on technological partnerships, streamlined operations, and future-ready EV platforms.
tl;dr
- Production and Deliveries: Rivian produced 13,157 vehicles and delivered 10,018 in Q3 2024, impacted by a shortage in the Enduro motor system component.
- Volkswagen Partnership: Rivian announced a $5 billion joint venture with Volkswagen Group to co-develop next-gen EV software and hardware, leveraging Rivian’s zonal architecture.
- R2 Platform Progress: Rivian’s upcoming R2 platform is on track, with 85% of components sourced. A partnership with LG Energy Solutions will supply U.S.-made battery cells for R2.
- New R1 Variants: Rivian launched a powerful Tri-Motor R1 variant with 850 horsepower and 405-mile range, with a Quad-Motor model expected in 2025.
- Financial Performance: Q3 revenue was $874 million, with a net loss of $(1.1) billion, improved from $(1.367) billion in Q3 2023. Rivian expects a positive gross margin by Q4 2024.
- Software and Customer Experience: Launched Connect+ streaming and connectivity service, popular with customers, adding to Rivian’s robust OTA software ecosystem.
Production and Delivery Highlights
In the third quarter of 2024, Rivian produced 13,157 vehicles and delivered 10,018. These numbers were affected by a critical shortage in a shared component of its in-house Enduro motor system, used across various R1 and RCV platforms. The shortage led to a production disruption that impacted Rivian’s ability to meet its full delivery potential. Rivian is working closely with its suppliers to mitigate this issue and expects increased production capacity to help bridge the gap.
Strategic Partnership with Volkswagen Group
One of the most notable announcements of this quarter was Rivian’s joint venture with Volkswagen Group. The partnership, valued at approximately $5 billion, is a testament to Rivian’s reputation in the EV industry and highlights the company’s technological prowess. Through this joint venture, Rivian will combine its software and network architecture expertise with Volkswagen’s global scale and diverse vehicle lineup. This collaboration aims to develop the next generation of EV electrical architectures and vertically integrated software solutions, addressing a broad spectrum of vehicle platforms from mass market to premium.
This partnership will allow Rivian to deploy its technology at scale, bringing its innovations to a global audience and solidifying its position as a leader in EV software and electrical engineering. The investment is also expected to help fund Rivian’s operations through the ramp-up of its R2 production in Normal, Illinois, and to support its midsize platform project in Georgia.
Progress on the R2 Platform and Battery Innovations
Rivian’s R2 platform, anticipated to launch in 2026, is designed to be a critical driver of the company’s future growth. The R2 aims to address global markets by building on the technology foundation established with the R1 platform, focusing on efficient design and cost-effective manufacturing. Rivian has made significant strides in sourcing for the R2, with about 85% of the bill of materials secured, and costs in line with projections.
A strategic agreement with LG Energy Solutions (LGES) to supply 4695 cylindrical battery cells will power the R2, marking a step toward energy independence and aligning with U.S. domestic manufacturing goals. The batteries, produced in LGES’s Queen Creek, Arizona, facility, are expected to enhance range and efficiency for Rivian vehicles. Additionally, Rivian’s new battery pack design, with improved energy density and simplified structure, aims to reduce overall production costs and improve assembly efficiency by approximately 45%.
New R1 Variants Add Performance and Range
The third quarter also saw the launch of Rivian’s new Tri-Motor R1 configuration, which brings both increased performance and range over the original quad-motor models. This variant offers 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive 405-mile range in Conserve mode. The Tri-Motor R1 variant introduces Rivian’s Ascend premium interior and new technologies to enhance the driving experience, while a Quad-Motor variant is expected in 2025.
In both new configurations, Rivian incorporates an automatic rear disconnect feature in Conserve mode, which allows for all-wheel-drive performance only when required, helping drivers optimize for range.
Financial Performance and Key Metrics
Rivian’s Q3 2024 revenue came in at $874 million, a year-over-year decline attributed largely to the production shortfall and a challenging consumer environment. Despite these hurdles, Rivian reported improvements in key financial areas:
- Gross Profit: Rivian’s gross profit for Q3 2024 was $(392) million, an improvement over Q3 2023’s $(477) million. The cost improvements were achieved through material efficiencies and manufacturing cost reductions. Rivian remains on track to hit positive gross margin by Q4 2024, aided by second-generation R1 cost reductions.
- Operating Expenses: Rivian’s focus on efficiency paid off, with operating expenses down to $777 million compared to $963 million in Q3 2023. This reflects lower R&D and SG&A expenses due to reductions in stock-based compensation, amortization, and efficiency improvements across design and engineering projects.
- Net Loss: The company reported a net loss of $(1.1) billion for Q3 2024, an improvement from $(1.367) billion in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA losses also narrowed to $(757) million, compared to $(902) million in Q3 2023, signaling gradual progress toward the company’s profitability goals.
- Liquidity Position: Rivian ended Q3 with $6.7 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, plus additional liquidity from its revolving credit facility. This healthy liquidity position, bolstered by the convertible note issued in association with the Volkswagen partnership, is expected to support Rivian’s roadmap as it scales production and continues R&D investments.
Enhancements in Software and Customer Experience
Rivian’s commitment to customer experience extends to its proprietary software ecosystem. Over 35 over-the-air (OTA) updates have been deployed to improve vehicle functionality and add features like Apple Music and Audible, with Google Cast and YouTube planned for later in the year. Rivian also launched Connect+, a new streaming and connectivity subscription service that includes features like Gear Guard Live Cam for enhanced security and remote monitoring through the Rivian app.
The majority of Rivian customers subscribed to Connect+ after a free trial, highlighting the service’s popularity and its value in driving customer engagement.
2024 Outlook and Profitability Path
Rivian reaffirmed its production target of 47,000 to 49,000 vehicles for the year, while anticipating Q4 to bring modest positive gross profit. The company aims to achieve this milestone by:
- Increasing Revenue Per Unit: By selling a higher mix of premium vehicles like the Tri-Motor R1, Rivian expects to increase revenue per vehicle, supplemented by non-vehicle revenues such as software, services, and regulatory credits.
- Lowering Variable Costs: With cost improvements from the second-generation R1 platform and optimized supplier contracts, Rivian is reducing material costs.
- Reducing Fixed Costs Per Vehicle: With streamlined manufacturing and production processes, Rivian is lowering its per-unit fixed costs, further supporting its profitability goals.
Looking Ahead
As Rivian progresses toward profitability, the company is focused on scaling up production, driving cost efficiencies, and capitalizing on strategic partnerships like the joint venture with Volkswagen. The advancements in its R1 and R2 platforms, coupled with its unique approach to software integration and customer engagement, position Rivian as a formidable player in the EV market.
With its path to a positive gross margin in sight and a clear strategy for growth, Rivian’s Q3 2024 performance highlights the company’s resilience and innovation in navigating the challenges of a fast-evolving electric vehicle landscape.