Rivian postpones his R1T electric pickup and R1S SUV to September

Rivian was supposed to begin deliveries of its Launch Edition electric pickup, but it won’t. The automaker has delayed initial deliveries to September.

Customers will also have to wait longer to get their hands on the R1S electric SUV, as the first deliveries will only take place in the fall. Rivian said in June that deliveries of the two vehicles would begin in July, a month later than expected. first reported the most recent delays.

In a letter to customers that Rivian shared with Engadget, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe highlighted the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a major cause of the setbacks. “Everything from building facilities and installing equipment to supplying vehicle components (especially semiconductors) has been affected by the pandemic,” Scaringe wrote. “Beyond these unforeseen challenges, launching three new vehicles while setting up a multi-vehicle manufacturing plant is a complex orchestra of coordinated and interconnected activities where small problems can translate into ramp delays. .

Scaringe said Rivian, who now employs more than 7,000 people, has built “hundreds of vehicles as part of our validation process, many of which have been spotted in the wild and covered with unique vinyl wrap.” He noted that the company has yet to deliver these products as Rivian believes that “it is essential both for our long term success and for your ultimate satisfaction that the quality and robustness of our launch products truly deliver. the tone of what to expect from us as a brand. “

As long as Rivian can stick to his latest schedule, he may still be the first automaker to market an electric pickup truck. will probably not go into production before the end of the year, while Ford () is planning deliveries of.

In addition to the R1T and R1S, Rivian builds commercial vans on a separate production line at its plant in Normal, Illinois. Amazon ordered and a.