New Funding Gives Rivian Frontrunner Status in EV Pickup Race
The investment round of $2.5 billion comes as the electric vehicle startup retools its factory to produce its three electric vehicles starting in 2021.

Rivian will produce its three electric vehicles at the former Mitsubishi Motors plant in Normal, Illinois, which it purchased for $16 million in 2017.
Photo courtesy of Rivian.
Electric vehicle startup Rivian announced today that it closed an investment round of $2.5 billion, led by funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
“We are focused on the launch of our R1T, R1S and Amazon delivery vehicles. With all three launches occurring in 2021, our teams are working hard to ensure our vehicles, supply chain and production systems are ready for a robust production ramp up. We are grateful for the strong investor support that helps enable us to focus on execution of our products,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO in a statement.
Participants in this investment round include Soros Fund Management LLC, Coatue, Fidelity Management and Research Company, and Baron Capital Group. Existing shareholders Amazon and funds managed by BlackRock also participated.
The investment announcement is Rivian’s first in 2020 and surpasses its combined funding to date.
Earlier funding in 2019 included a $700 million round led by Amazon, $500 million from Ford to collaborate on a future program, a $350 million investment from Cox Automotive, and an investment round in December of $1.3 billion led by T. Rowe Price as well.
In September, Rivian announced it was developing an electric delivery van for Amazon utilizing Rivian’s skateboard platform. Rivian said in the statement that 100,000 of these vans have been ordered with deliveries starting in 2021.
After announced delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rivian’s three vehicles — the R1T electric pickup truck and the R1S SUV, as well as the electric delivery vans for Amazon — are expected to come to market in 2021.
The vehicles will be produced at Rivian’s manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill. They use Rivian’s “flexible skateboard platform” that can be applied to a range of applications, the company said.
The announcement comes amidst a flurry of activity with electric pickups. Lordstown Motors revealed its Endurance electric pickup in June. Preorders for the Nikola Badger pickup began on June 29.
Tesla claims 600,000 pre orders for its Cybertruck, while both Ford and GM announced the electric F-150 and Hummer EV earlier this year.
The Endurance, Badger, and Cybertruck are slated for 2021 release; the electric F-150 and Hummer EV are due to come out in 2022.
More Fleet Forward


Erin Gilchrist Receives Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award
Last week at AFLA in Vegas, Erin Gilchrist received the inaugural, brand-new Spirit of Fleet Award.
Read More →
Dominika Leja Named the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year
The AstraZeneca associate director of fleet was recognized for her leadership in fleet electrification, cost savings, and operational transformation.
Read More →
Jamie McKay Named the 2026 Fleet Visionary Award Winner
The Aptive Pest Control fleet manager was recognized for her approach to operations, data, lifecycle management, and driver needs.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference Introduces One-Day Passes for 2026
New one-day registration gives fleet professionals the flexibility to attend Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with passes available for $199 through Sept. 18.
Read More →
Vibe Coding: When Fleet Managers Become Software Builders
Five fleet professionals — none with programming skills — discuss how they’re using AI to build fleet solutions in-house and in a fraction of the time.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference Tackles Fleet Industry’s Growing Leadership Gap
This session will examine succession planning, knowledge transfer, and the skills the next generation of fleet leaders will need as veteran professionals leave the industry.
Read More →
2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Finalists Announced
Who are the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year finalists?
Read More →
John Rossant to Deliver Opening Keynote at 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The CoMotion founder will draw on developments across Europe, China, the Middle East, and other international markets to identify trends that could influence how U.S. fleets plan for the coming decade.
Read More →How to Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding [Webinar]
A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.
Read More →