Emily Wilson’s Post

I’m in an EV mood today, so here’s a little story to wrap up this thread of posts. It’s not about being for or against EVs—it’s more about understanding use cases and how they impact the customer (or, more specifically, the end user). If you’ve ever had the thrill of watching your Amazon package make its way to your house in real time, you know how fun and informative it can be. You see the little truck icon getting closer, saying something like "5 stops away," and the number ticks down with each stop. It’s oddly satisfying to track. Now, I live on the outskirts of civilization, so I’m usually one of the last stops. About 3 times out of 10, I’ll notice the ticker getting stuck or moving super slow. I expect a delivery in 10 minutes, but it takes over an hour. The other day, this happened again. I saw the truck creeping along on my phone, so I went outside, and sure enough, it was crawling. The driver gets out, looking stressed, and I joke, "Man, I thought you’d never make it." He points to the Rivian and says, "Blame that." He went on to explain that he consistently runs out of juice toward the end of his route, with no place to charge up, and it’s getting worse as the vehicles age. He told me the drivers fight for the gas-powered trucks, and he’d never buy an EV for himself. I told him, "It’s just not the right use for that van, but I'm sure it's great in the city." He wasn’t convinced and shook his head. Now, first off, I think the Rivian delivery van is cute as a bug, and I’m a fan of their vehicles, but this is a classic example of a use case mismatch. Think about it—packages are delayed, the driver’s stressed, the vehicle’s underperforming, and it’s bad publicity for Rivian. EVs definitely have their place, but right now, that place isn’t delivering packages to the outskirts of civilization. And keep in mind, a lot of America is like that—this is a big country. The moral of the story? Make sure your product is being used in a way that showcases its strengths, not its weaknesses. Follow up with your customers regularly to understand their experience. And in cases like this, don’t just ask the fleet owner—talk to the end users who either deal with the frustrations or enjoy the benefits of good tech. Good sales and consistent revenue come from staying engaged with your customers. Take them for granted, and they’ll move on. #automotive #sales #ev #usecase

I interviewed the driver of this Rivian Amazon van Here’s what he said: I asked him, “What do you think of the van?” “Aw man, if I’m being honest, it’s not good.” He went on to describe the way it drove, how he really didn’t use the brake because the van stopped when he took his foot off the accelerator. (Which is how EVs work, but it seems like this was the first EV he’s driven). However, once we got talking about the rest of the experience, he was RAVING -There’s a lot of space -The AC is really good -There’s a fan in the back In fact, he spent more time talking about the good things than the bad things. He had one little complaint at the end. “The volume only goes to 20. If I could turn it up more, I would!” We in the auto industry talk a lot about EV adoption, and fleets are a way to encourage that. But if you don’t EDUCATE the people driving the vehicles, it’s not going to make a difference. It’s not enough to make a change, there has to be care for the people affected by the change as well. In this case, it seems like we can do better. #automotive #automotiveindustry #electricvehicles #amazon #rivian #ev #evadoption #eveducation

check out wearenoyack.com for more info Being an early adopter is risky... It's a lot like venture capital. It can be a big win or it can crush you, literally. As you can see from the photo below, my wife and I are big early adopters of #EV vehicles. Thats the Lucid Motors Grand Touring Air and the Rivian RS1. I thought they were 2 of the greatest objects of engineering this country has produced Learn more 👉 https://lnkd.in/eP4upnki But the true test of a company is not when things are going well, but when problems occur, how do they respond? What is their approach to the inevitable issues customers will have? And then Lucid Motors almost killed us... My wife and I were driving on the NJ Turnpike at approx 70 mph with tractor-trailers on either side of us when a flashing red light on the dashboard indicated that there was a battery failure and the car would shut down within one minute. An actual timer started counting down! I felt like we were in a Mission Impossible movie only without Tom Cruise. I tried desperately to maneuver off the turnpike yet sandwiched between trucks flying; finally I was able to only to clip the yellow sand barrels as I hairpinned the off ramp. The car died 20 feet later. The roadside assistance was on the phone right away and extremely helpful. However, what they told me to try deeply disturbed me; I shit you not, they told me to shut off the car & do a hard reset & restart. It felt like I was dealing with Windows95 on a Compaq To my surprise it worked and we were on our way again. Only to shut down again this time with only 30 seconds notice as we were entering the Holland Tunnel. For use for you for those of you not familiar with the Holland tunnel & the people who use it, believe me when I say that if we blocked the Holland tunnel then we would've been pummelled by the Jersey drivers stuck behind us. Cut to weeks later, Lucid informs me that they replaced the entire battery ($$$!!) because of severe electrical faults. I said great but I'm not taking that death trap back, so you can either: 1) buy it back or 2) replace it with a new car where at least we have a fighting chance. I'm all about compromise. Now this is what I was referring to about what separates a great company from the rest of the pack - Accountability. Everything is groovy when your CEO Peter Rawlinson is driving around with Jim Cramer on CNBC, but when the shit hits the fan are you there to be accountable?? Here's the business lesson: Lucid could've made me into an even bigger advocate for their car if they prioritized me as the customer. But instead they turned me into one of their biggest critics. So whatever your business is, Be Accountable. Learn more 👉 https://lnkd.in/eP4upnki

I almost didn't buy it. Even though I've wanted a Jeep for 10+ years, let's get real. I live in the suburbs. The appeal of driving anywhere has always been strong, But nearly all of my driving is on well-paved roads. When Rivian announced the R1T, I thought about making a reservation. I've been an EV driver since 2013 (first gen Nissan Leaf), so a gas powered car was out of the question. But it still felt excessive. To be honest, I had some bias against pickup drivers who live in the city. What's the point? I went back & forth for months on buying the Rivian before making a decision. In the end, I decided I could afford it, I wanted it, and it was still better for the environment than a gas-powered vehicle. And the verdict? After 18 months, I still love it. Do I drive off road? Not much, to be honest. But when I get in, I still feel a sense of empowerment -- that I can drive in places all of my previous cars couldn't. I'm not generally a big fan of "stuff". It's exciting to acquire, but the good feelings wear off quickly -- soon it becomes normal. The Rivian has been an exception because it reminds me of what I'm capable of. 🔥 I can go places other people can't. 🔥 I can do adventurous things. 🔥 I can get off the beaten path. And those are good reminders for life. #leadership #courage #passion #adventure

I want to know what kind of damage, if any, would be found after thoroughly inspecting this Rivian R1T. It would be great if Rivian swapped this truck for a new R1T and then hired Sandy Munro and Munro & Associates to dismantle it and share their findings on Munro Live! I believe this could provide valuable insights for auto manufacturers. Tearing down some flooded EVs and documenting damage and opportunities for protective improvements could be valuable for manufacturers, insurance providers, and consumers. #flooded #electricvehicles #automotivemanufacturing #insights

🚀 Exciting News 🚀 🔮 Prediction: The race for the software-defined vehicle is heating up, and Rivian might have just set a new standard with its latest advancements. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards software-driven innovation, Rivian's bold move to change 600 parts on its R1S SUV showcases a commitment to pioneering change. 💡 General Commentary: - Rivian's relentless pursuit of cheaper manufacturing costs and enhanced EV performance is a testament to their dedication to pushing boundaries. - Chief of Software Wassym Bensaid's leadership highlights the critical role that software development plays in the future of the automotive sector. - The dynamic changes made to the R1S SUV indicate a transformative shift towards a more agile and adaptable manufacturing model in the competitive market. 🔭 Looking Ahead: - It will be fascinating to see how Rivian's software-defined vehicle will revolutionize the driving experience and set a new benchmark for the industry. - Other automakers are sure to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of innovation that will benefit consumers with more advanced and efficient vehicles. - The next chapter in the automotive industry is unfolding, and Rivian's groundbreaking approach signals a new era of software-driven cars. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Rivian's game-changing strategy in the comments below! Let's drive towards a software-defined future together. 🚗💻 #AutomotiveInnovation #SoftwareDefinedVehicle #FutureofMobility #RivianRevolution

Charge me twice… shame on me?? Hey Rivian as one of your very early customers I have been a huge fan and booster to almost anyone who would listen. It’s because of this that I am so deeply disappointed in your decision to essentially remove the features my car already had (Spotify?) and try to sell them back to me for $15/mo. I get that you believe that those who own $75K cars won’t miss $15/mo and perhaps you’re right, but there is a principle to the thing. You literally crippled a feature I’ve had for years. Next year will you charge me to unlock the car? It’s a breach of trust. RJ Scaringe as a fellow entrepreneur and clean energy CEO I wonder how the math worked on this one. You have ~90K vehicles on the road today? At 100% adoption at $15/mo that’s about $14M of annual revenue. Your current revenues are ~$4.5B? I get the margins are higher and maybe you push the multiple a bit on it being software not automotive but was it really worth the brand and reputational damage? At least grandfather in those that have bought at the current level of functionality. Unfortunately I am now left with a $75K insanely advanced and awesome EV with the Bluetooth audio functionality of my 2009 Toyota Matrix. Next year will you compete with Tesla and Lucid Motors to bring back the tape adapter?

😎 Rivian’s Passion Overcomes Losses Per Vehicle 🚙 Exceeding Expectations: Despite facing a gross profit loss of $38,784 per vehicle, Rivian Automotive has surpassed its production and delivery outlook, with a significant increase compared to last year. 🚘 Strategic Moves: The company’s introduction of a new midsize platform and the decision to begin R2 production in Illinois are strategic steps towards future savings and efficiency. 🗽 State Support: Rivian’s expansion is bolstered by an $827 million incentive package from the State of Illinois, highlighting the support for its vision. 🚗 Driving Towards Profitability: CEO RJ Scaringe emphasizes the company’s focus on demand generation, cost improvements, and advancing development, all while celebrating milestones and steering towards profitability. Rivian’s journey illustrates that not all automakers operate on profits; their enduring passion for innovation and sustainable transportation keeps their business thriving. 🚗💚 #rivianautomotive #rivian #riviantruck #rivianofficial #automotiveindustry #electricvehicles https://lnkd.in/d7n2a3D4

I'm just back from Seattle, and I can FINALLY tell you (as the only female journalist on the trip) what I was up to!! Driving the second generation Rivian R1S and R1T. Read my story Ars Technica! . . . In their effort to move toward profitability and prep for the upcoming (and highly buzzy R3 and R3x) builds that will be coming out of the Normal plant in 2026, Rivian deleted more than 1.6 miles of wiring, reduced the number of ECUs (17 to 7) and made them faster, changed up their motor and battery configs and now offer a Tri- and Quad-Motor that put down as much as 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque and (Rivian says) go 0-60 in under 3 seconds. ( I only saw 3 second times in both the R1T & R1S on the drag strip yesterday--but it was my very first time on a drag strip ever!) . . . They've also built an "Autonomy Compute Platform," but unlike Tesla and their 🙄🙄🙄 "self driving" marketing, Rivian is doing it right. They'll roll out some limited hands-free highway assistance to all owners at the end of the year (and offer it in the new R1T and R1S)that leverages both AI and ML to improve the experience. Sadly, there's still no Apple Car play, but there is (optional) Apple Music and Google Cast integration. . . . It was a rainy, dirty, muddy, fast, and fun few days in the Evergreen State seeing friends, hanging out, enjoying the incredible scenery (hello Twin Peaks anyone?), and covering Rivian, a company that I (personally) think is poised to continue to shake up the 🙄🙄🙄 hubris in the rest of the automotive industry. https://lnkd.in/gknvVghV

What would you do if your street was completely blocked by a stranded semi-truck? Yesterday, that was the scene outside my front door: flashing lights, blocked traffic, and a truck stuck in the mud. The towing company couldn’t assist, and the driver was out of options. That’s when I decided to see if an EV truck could really do ‘truck stuff.’ With the driver’s permission, I pulled out my Rivian R1T’s tow gear (freshly unpackaged!), looped the strap around the trailer, and gave him our honk system: two for reverse, one for stop. Slowly but surely, with all four electric motors working together, my Rivian freed the truck. This moment isn’t just about towing—it’s about what EVs are capable of today. Vehicles like mine, built with care and precision by the amazing team at Rivian in Normal, IL, are proving their value in the real world every day. From #towing to #roadtrips to #winterweather, these trucks can do it all—and then some. EVs don’t need to be political. They’re about solving problems, big and small, and they’re built by people of every race, gender, and background, right here in the #USA. Thank you to Rivian engineers, assembly line workers, and every person who helps bring these vehicles to life. You’ve built something truly remarkable. So, to all the doubters: Yes, EVs can do #TRUCKSTUFF. And then some! Have you seen an EV step up like this before? Let’s celebrate innovation and the people making it happen. #ElectricVehicles #Rivian #Innovation #EVRescue #Sustainability #EngineeringExcellence #EVLife #MadeInUSA #Teamwork