Hardware Podcasts

Rivian: RJ Scaringe

How I Built This · 12 Sept 2022 · 1h 14m

What this episode covers

RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, explains how he launched an electric vehicle company in 2009 with no capital, relying on family funds and an MIT PhD to build credibility. After pivoting from a fuel-efficient sports car to electric trucks and SUVs, he navigated years of stealth mode, secured investment from Amazon and Saudi investors, and bought a former Mitsubishi plant in Illinois to manufacture the R1T and R1S. Scaringe details the massive challenges of scaling production, managing a complex supply chain during the semiconductor shortage, and competing with Tesla while maintaining a brand focused on adventure and performance.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Rivian, Tesla, Amazon, Hyundai, Mainstream Motors, Mitsubishi
Products
R1T, R1S, Avera
Also
MIT

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