Where Do You Buy a Rivian?

The EV brand gives customers an adventurous experience buying adventure vehicles.

Mark Hacking | 

Jun 5, 2023 | 3 min read

Rivian

Like several other start-up electric vehicle brands, Rivian uses the direct-to-consumer business model. This means no franchise dealerships or dealer markups — just the occasional pop-up store, a permanent location in Venice, California, and a set price.. Here's how the Rivian purchasing process works, from making initial contact to taking final delivery to experiencing the EV's service life.

Rivian

Where and how to buy a Rivian: step one is making contact

There are three main ways to reach out to Rivian: by phone, email, or online chat. You can also click through an FAQ section on the company website that contains technical details about Rivian's two vehicles — the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV — the steps needed to purchase these vehicles, and what the ownership experience might be like.

Rivian

Where and how to buy a Rivian: step two is scheduling a test drive

According to the Rivian site, the vehicle maker maintains a demo fleet at its service centers and at its first and (so far) only brick-and-mortar "hub." That hub is in Venice, California, and according to the automaker, it's possible to test-drive a vehicle there. That said, you must have preordered a Rivian to be considered for a demo experience at the location. The company will send an invitation through your Rivian account if you're eligible for a drive. And if you'd prefer to do a demo drive closer to home, Rivian says it will notify you via your Rivian account when "the opportunity is available in your area."

Rivian

Where and how to buy a Rivian: step three is reserving and configuring your EV

Traditionally, when you order a new vehicle, you get to select things like the color, trim level, and options in advance. With the Rivian R1T and R1S, the process is different. You plunk your money down and circle back closer to the delivery date to make final selections. This is likely due to high vehicle demand and a significant backlog of orders.

After you place a refundable deposit of $1,000, you can visualize your Rivian but can't do a traditional build and price. Through the Rivian site, you can apply for financing, get a quote on a vehicle trade-in, and learn about federal and state purchase-incentive programs.

Rivian

Where and how to buy a Rivian: step four is taking delivery

Once your deposit and reservation are confirmed, a Rivian Guide works to answer any questions you might have, including details on when to configure your R1T or R1S and when you could expect delivery.

Depending on your location, you have the option to take delivery at a Rivian Service Center or ask the company to deliver your vehicle. Each Rivian model comes with a seven-day or 1,000-mile return policy.

Rivian

Where and how to buy a Rivian: step five is after-sale support

Like other EVs, Rivian models can be serviced, to some degree, through over-the-air updates. For more serious service issues, there are (at the time of this article's writing) fewer than 30 Rivian service centers in the United States and Canada. Purchase of the R1T or R1S includes 24/7 roadside assistance for the first five years or 60,000 miles of ownership.

As to warranty coverage, that five-year or 60,000-mile period covers all parts and labor costs for any defective materials. The drivetrain and components are covered for eight years or 175,000 miles. The battery pack and components are covered for 70% of their original capacity or more for eight years or 175,000 miles.

Mark Hacking

Mark Hacking is an award-winning writer with more than 20 years experience covering the automotive scene for some of the world's most popular publications. Mark holds an FIA International Race license and has his sights set on competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the future. He was the first automotive journalist to race in the Ferrari Challenge series (in 2013) and the Jaguar I-PACE eTrophy series (in 2019).