In a recent appearance at the Code Conference 2023, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe expressed his optimism about the upcoming deliveries of Tesla’s Cybertruck, emphasizing that he sees little overlap with Rivian’s current vehicle lineup. Scaringe, among a distinguished gathering of tech and business leaders, welcomed the diversity in electric vehicle options for consumers.
When questioned about the competitive landscape and the potential rivalry between Tesla’s Cybertruck and Rivian’s R1T and R1S models, Scaringe downplayed any direct competition, stating, “If you were to think of like the Venn diagrams of customers, there’s probably not a lot of overlap.” He further underscored his appreciation for the existence of products like the Cybertruck, as it contributes to the expansion of electric vehicle offerings.
Scaringe articulated, “If we truly want to electrify everything that’s produced,” competition is essential. With approximately 1.5 billion cars worldwide and around 90 million new cars produced annually, consumer demand for diverse options remains high. Scaringe emphasized the value of choice in the electric vehicle market, stating, “So it’s great to see something so different.”
Drawing a distinction from the tech industry, where a few dominant leaders often emerge, Scaringe pointed out that the transportation sector requires multiple successful players. He emphasized that Rivian’s success does not hinge on the performance of other automakers, and vice versa. Notably, Rivian has been making strides in the EV startup arena, securing the eighth position out of 26 manufacturers with a 2.8% market share in the United States.
Following a strong performance in the second quarter, expectations are high for Rivian’s Q3 delivery numbers. At a recent Morgan Stanley conference, Scaringe expressed confidence, stating that the company has “rounded the corner.”
Scaringe’s perspective highlights the growing importance of diversity and competition in the electric vehicle market, underlining the significance of offering consumers a wide range of choices as the industry continues to evolve.
