Hyperdrive
Amazon-Backed Rivian Seeks 3-in-a-Row EV Debuts, Defying History
- Electric truck startup to roll out pickup, SUV, van this year
- Risks are ‘stacked’ as newcomer tries to beat EV pickup rivals
Rivian Automotive Inc., the electric-truck startup backed by Amazon.com Inc., is running the automotive equivalent of a three-ring circus: attempting to launch a trio of new vehicles in a factory that made its last car six years ago.
The push reflects a desire to get out ahead of battery-powered trucks from more established rivals, including a Hummer pickup from General Motors Co. and Tesla Inc.’s Cybertruck. Rivian has high hopes for its pickup and sport-utility vehicle but is counting on an Amazon-dedicated delivery van as a guaranteed source of revenue, said people familiar with the company’s strategy.