Everything Electric Podcast RJ Scaringe on Rivian’s Biggest Test: R2, Supply Chains & China
14 snips
Sep 8, 2025 
RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, dives into the company's evolution from ambitious startup to electric vehicle powerhouse. He elaborates on the upcoming R2, aimed at affordability while retaining Rivian's adventurous spirit. Scaringe addresses intricate supply chain hurdles and the impact of global trade dynamics, especially in relation to Chinese competitors. The conversation also covers Rivian’s strategic partnership with Volkswagen to enhance efficiency and innovation in EV manufacturing, along with talks on retrofitting classic cars with modern electric tech.
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R2 Packs Flagship DNA At Half The Cost
- Rivian's R2 uses lessons from R1 to deliver similar brand attributes at roughly half the cost.
- RJ positions R2 as a smaller, lower-priced Rivian that still feels like the flagship experience.
Auto Startups Demand All-In Investment
- Starting a car company requires spending billions before you earn a dollar and building many capabilities at once.
- You cannot use an MVP approach for cars; vehicles must be complete at launch, increasing upfront risk.
Iterate To Find Unique Product-Market Fit
- Focus early on product-market fit and iterate until your concept occupies a unique space.
- Build a clear brand and mission to guide product and technology decisions.
