Rivian announces another shipping delay but also some cool new software features

Image: Rivian

Rivian is experiencing a production issue with an interior trim option for its electric vehicles. Some reservation holders of the company's R1T electric truck and R1S SUV received emails this week saying that the Ocean Coast trim is more challenging to produce and will be delayed to later this fall.

The email came the same day as Ford's launch event of its electric Lightning truck, but Rivian has some cool new software updates to share as well. The company announced that it is working on over the air updates that will enable a dash cam feature, which will compliment its Gear Guard video security feature. There is also an upcoming pet mode that will keep the air conditioning running for your dog while you grocery shop and a new sand mode that will let you drive on dunes.

A new video of the R1S electric SUV riding around the desert was posted by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. You can see the quad motor spinning in the rear of the truck in a slow- motion clip.

The Ocean Coast trim delay highlights early production realities where streamlining production must be prioritized. Rivian is focusing on building Launch Edition and Adventure Package trucks with Black Mountain and Forest Edge interior trims. Reservation holders who chose Ocean Coast trim will be contacted in late May if their delivery was estimated for 2022, giving them a chance to make changes that could prioritize delivery time.

The delivery times of Launch Edition and Adventure Package models may be affected by changing the priority of the trim selection. If the Ocean Coast trim wasn't selected, the latter could see earlier delivery times. The email was sent to reservation holders.

Building in few build combinations reduces complexity with our suppliers and in the plant and allows us to build a greater number of vehicles. This updated approach also means we’ll see Adventure Package vehicles rolling off the line alongside Launch Edition vehicles over the next few months. While these ramp-optimized build plans may affect some people’s delivery timing — moving some up and some back — this will enable us to deliver as many vehicles as quickly as possible. In the coming weeks, we will email updated delivery estimates to all preorder holders.



For preorder holders with a delivery window in 2022, we will be reaching out in late May to gauge your preferences and help further inform our build combinations. If you’re flexible on certain options, you may be able to take delivery sooner. If you love your original configuration and prefer to stick with it, then no action is required on your part — we’ll simply continue to update you on your estimated delivery timing.



We ask those preorder holders with a 2023 (or later) delivery window to sit tight for now but know that we intend to provide you with more clarity this summer as well.

Production challenges are not uncommon. The Model Y seven-seat configuration and white trim options have had delays in the past. Changing configurations for earlier deliveries was recommended by the sales reps.

The success of Rivian is dependent on the success of the pickup truck segment. The company made huge strides last year going public with one of the largest IPOs ever and finally made its first deliveries in September after some delays.

The news that Rivian delivered at least 1,000 vehicles in the year 2021, seems to bode well for the company against the Ford F-150 Lightning trucks built so far. Despite the price hike and the delay of the Rivian truck, the company is already ahead of other pickup trucks.