Receiving praise from your own competition, to the point of being placed at the top of a ranking, is a rare honor. However, that’s precisely what Rivian’s CEO did about the Tesla Model Y.
Rivian R3. Crédit : Rivian
A popular start-up
Rivian, an emerging brand on the North American market, has recently distinguished itself with its electric cars with interesting characteristics. Even if the brand is still in the consolidation phase, it is seen as a serious alternative to Tesla vehicles, which remain the undisputed leaders of the American market.
Rivian still faces two major challenges: offering more affordable models and beginning its international expansion, planned for 2027.
In terms of market, the manufacturer has just consolidated its position with a strategic partnership with Volkswagen to develop electric cars defined by software, but also less expensive and less complicated to produce. For now, however, Rivian must focus on its local market, where Tesla remains a formidable opponent.
Tesla Model Y, the benchmark to beat for everyone
So, despite the direct rivalry between the two brands, that didn't stop Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe from praising Tesla's achievements during a roundtable discussion at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
According to him, the Tesla Model Y is the best electric car on the market for less than $50,000. This electric SUV, designed under the direction of Elon Musk, was not only the best-selling electric car in the world last year, but it also took first place in the overall sales rankings across all categories.
RJ Scaringe said: “ Tesla has done an incredible job. It's a great brand with excellent products. But the world doesn't need another manufacturer doing the exact same thing. » A relevant statement given that the CEO of Rivian knows Tesla products well having owned them himself: a Tesla Model 3 and a Model Y.
For the record, let us note that this exchange of politeness between manufacturers is not isolated. Recently, it was Jim Farley, the president of Ford, who revealed that he drove the Xiaomi SU7 and was won over by it.
On the other hand, the comments of NIO CEO William Li regarding Tesla are much more critical. According to him, Tesla vehicles “ are bad and obsolete “. He even added: “ The Tesla Model 3 was good when it launched in 2018, but it is now surpassed by many Chinese models. Tesla's attitude reflects that of an aging brand, focused solely on volume and not innovation. » Ambiance … !
Rivian, a range that remains to be developed
Regardless, Rivian intends to enter the battle of electric cars with its future range of R2 compact SUVs, designed to compete directly with the Model Y. Last July, this model already had more than 10,000 pre-orders.
The brand is also planning the launches of the R3 and R3X in the coming years.
Currently, Rivian's catalog is limited to large models R1T (electric pickup, from $71,000) and R1S (electric SUV, from $77,000). High prices, far from the accessibility of a global model like the Model Y. But like many manufacturers, Rivian starts with the premium market before moving down the range. At the beginning Tesla also only marketed its Model S for more than €82,000 here.
