Rivian
$RIVN opened a new service center in Atlanta and we arranged a test drive of their SUV, the R1S, over the weekend. Even though I am a Tesla
$TSLA fan and we drive a Model Y, I suspended my skepticism and had a great experience. The R1S is a solid vehicle, and anyone looking for an electric SUV with real third row seating, this may be the only viable option. Both Tesla Model X (and later versions of Model Y) come with third row options, but neither is a traditional SUV that can carry seven adults.
Rivian is still a new manufacturer and only delivering the R1S in small volumes to customers. If we do end up buying the R1S, we are bracing ourselves for some manufacturing kinks. In contrast, Tesla has produced millions of vehicles for more than a decade; whatever kinks have all been worked through by now. Our Model Y is the result of all the learnings from their earlier productions of Roadster, Model S, and Model 3.