Rivian Reports $1.46B Q2 Loss, VW Deal Ahead

Rivian’s losses rose as it transitioned to cost-efficient models, underscoring the importance of a potential $5 billion deal with Volkswagen Group

The company disclosed on Tuesday that it experienced a $1.46 billion loss in the second quarter of 2024, representing an increase from the $1.45 billion loss experienced in the first quarter.

The loss was roughly $300 million greater than the previous year’s second quarter.

Consequently, Rivian’s cash and cash equivalents balance was $5.76 billion after the quarter. This is the initial cost of VW’s $1 billion.

Recently, Rivian has initiated the distribution of revised versions of the R1, which are more cost-effective and straightforward to manufacture.

According to RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, the company’s objective is to achieve a positive surplus profit by the conclusion of 2024 through the shipment of these vehicles in large quantities.

However, Rivian anticipates producing and distributing approximately the same quantity of electric vehicles (EVs) this year as it did in 2023.

Consequently, the company’s second model, the R2 SUV, is anticipated to be released in 2026 and is expected to contribute to its status as a sustainable organization.

Until then, Rivian will receive assistance from the additional $4 billion that Volkswagen will invest in the young automaker, provided that the two companies resolve their agreement. That is anticipated to transpire during the fourth quarter of this year.

After the agreement is finalized, VW and Rivian will establish a joint venture to capitalize on Rivian’s sophisticated electrical architecture and software.

The technology will be integrated into Rivian’s R2 and the numerous EVs produced by the VW Grou annually into those manufactured by other manufacturers.

Scaringe was cautious during a conference call on Tuesday to refrain from disclosing a significant amount of new information regarding the Volkswagen partnership.

However, chief software officer Wassym Bensaid stated that Rivian has a drivable demonstrator vehicle equipped with the company’s electronic components and software stack.

“We are exceedingly enthusiastic about the advancements we are making in electrical architecture integration analysis,” Bensaid stated, mentioning that our engineers have been collaborating closely with the Volkswagen Group.

“We are making significant progress in comprehending how our technology will scale up and down across the entire Volkswagen Group portfolio.”

Rivian had previously stated that it had conducted “substantial work” to “validate that Rivian’s electrical architecture and software are compatible with Volkswagen Group’s vehicles” in the lead-up to the announcement. Harry Porter, a spokesperson for Rivian, declined to provide any additional information regarding the demonstrator vehicle.

Rivian will pursue alternative strategies to augment revenue until the Volkswagen acquisition is finalized. For example, the organization transferred $17 million in regulatory credits to other organizations in the second quarter.

Scaringe stated during the call that the reduction of significant automakers’ EV ambitions has resulted in a “void of products” that is enhancing the opportunity for Rivian to sell these credits. He believes that Rivian may end up selling more than it had anticipated.

Additionally, the organization is developing an electric vehicle (EV) charging network to facilitate its cars, which could generate additional revenue, particularly since Rivian will permit other electric vehicles (EVs) to utilize it later this year.