Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is expanding its presence in Georgia
Electric truck manufacturer Rivian Automotive will begin construction on its proposed factory east of Atlanta early next year, the company confirmed Thursday.
The California-based company made the announcement as it opened a retail location at Ponce City Market in Atlanta. The new “space” can best be described as a traditional car dealership showroom mixed with an Apple Genius Bar.
Rivian’s team, who notes that the company plans additional locations in major markets like Colorado, Texas, and California soon, says these “spaces” will serve to educate the public on their vehicles, charging EVs, and learn how to order one of their flagship vehicles.
“This also gives us an opportunity to hear and to listen from the customers and the people that live in this area,” said Tony Caravano, Senior Director of Customer Engagement. “It’s a great way for us to talk about the future recruitment that will be necessary to staff [the factory] as well.”
But, the company has faced several hurdles, including weather delays and a lawsuit regarding tax incentives for the factory.
“We are looking at a space that can affect you the couple about 200 of volume up to 100,000 vehicles,” said Denise Cherry, who handles Facilities Design and Retail Development at Rivian. “We are going to break ground early next year. And so we’re super excited.”
The State of Georgia recently made changes to its $1.5 billion incentive agreement with Rivian, with the company given two more years to reach certain performance and economic goals for the plant.
Rivian currently produces its pickup truck and SUV models at a factory in Illinois. The vehicles go for more than $70,000 each.
The company has a $5 billion manufacturing complex set to be built an hour east of Atlanta, where it will produce lower-priced vehicles. Rivian has expectations for the new plant to create 7,500 jobs at the site near Social Circle, and for the grading of dirt at the site should be complete by year’s end.
Production of vehicles in Georgia is scheduled to begin in 2026.
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