Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has recently launched an enticing offer for potential customers looking to switch from gas-powered trucks and SUVs to electric vehicles. The deal includes discounts of up to $5,000 and a year of free charging at Rivian-owned stations in the United States.
The “electric upgrade offer” specifically targets some of the most popular gas-powered trucks and SUVs on the market, such as the Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, and Jeep Wrangler. Rivian is even taking on German automakers Audi and BMW. Depending on the model, customers can receive price cuts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. This move by Rivian comes at a time when demand for premium and luxury EVs has softened across the industry, leading other automakers like Ford, Lucid, and Tesla to reduce prices.
Legacy automakers, faced with uncertain demand, have also scaled back their plans to transition to fully electric vehicles. Gas-powered vehicles and hybrids have regained popularity due to their steady sales and profit margins. In this context, Rivian’s offer may attract a new wave of customers who are looking for a greener alternative but are not yet ready to fully commit to electric vehicles.
To be eligible for the trade-in program, customers must own specific gas-powered vehicles. These include 2018 or newer Ford F-150 trucks, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, and Bronco (excluding the Bronco Sport). Additionally, 2018 or newer Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Audi Q5, Q7, Q8, BMW X3, X5, and X7 models are also eligible.
The offer applies to both lease and purchase options, with customers required to take delivery of their new Rivian vehicle by June 30. As an added incentive, Rivian is throwing in a year of free charging at any of its owned charging stations across the United States. However, it is important to note that Rivian’s fast-charging network, called the Rivian Adventure Network, is not as extensive as Tesla’s Supercharging network. Currently, Rivian has 433 fast-chargers at 71 stations in states like Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and along the East Coast. Additionally, the company has installed 482 Level 2 chargers, known as Waypoints, at 180 locations throughout the country.
While Rivian is not expected to outsell the best-selling gas-powered trucks on the market, this strategy allows the company to tap into a new customer base and showcase the benefits of electric vehicles. With an expected production capacity of around 57,000 EVs in 2024, Rivian aims to establish itself as a significant player in the EV market.
By offering attractive discounts and a year of free charging, Rivian is making it more financially feasible for customers to make the switch from gas-powered vehicles to electric ones. This move aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable transportation options and demonstrates Rivian’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. As more automakers introduce similar offers and expand their charging networks, the transition to electric vehicles will become even more accessible and appealing to a larger audience.