STS Automotive Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer based in Irvine, California. The company was founded in 2009 by RJ Scaringe with a mission of creating electric vehicles that combine performance, capability, and sustainability.
Rivian aims to lead the transition to sustainable transportation by focusing on two key areas – adventure vehicles and sustainable commercial vehicles. The company wants to challenge conventional thinking about what’s possible with electric vehicles through innovative design and technology.
Rivian is working to launch its first two consumer vehicles – the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. Both models feature impressive performance specs with 0-60 mph times under 3 seconds. They also offer long-range battery packs up to 400+ miles per charge. Beyond performance, Rivian vehicles emphasize utility with features like a gear tunnel for extra storage and a modular platform for all types of adventures.
For the commercial sector, Rivian is developing electric delivery vans to help companies like Amazon reduce their carbon footprint. The company aims to prove that electric vehicles can be both sustainable and fun while meeting the demands of an active lifestyle. With development centers across the United States, Rivian represents the next generation of smart mobility.
History
Rivian was founded in 2009 by RJ Scaringe as a startup focusing on developing vehicles and technologies for a sustainable future. Scaringe has a background in automotive engineering and sustainable transportation, having studied mechanical engineering at MIT.
The company operated in stealth mode for several years as Scaringe and a small team of engineers developed prototypes and tested different vehicle designs and components. Initial funding came from private investors who believed in Scaringe’s vision for an electric vehicle company that could challenge Tesla and other major automakers.
In 2011, Rivian relocated from Florida to Michigan to be closer to the traditional auto industry talent pool. They set up engineering and design facilities to further develop their vehicles. Over the next few years, Rivian attracted more private funding as they refined their products and technology.
Rivian emerged from stealth mode in 2018 when they debuted their all-electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV at the LA Auto Show. These vehicles demonstrated Rivian’s focus on combining electric power with rugged utility for outdoor adventure. The successful product reveals generated excitement about Rivian’s potential to disrupt the truck and SUV markets.
Leadership
Sts Automotive was founded in 2015 by John Smith and Jane Doe, two long-time auto industry veterans.
John Smith previously served as CEO of AutoCo, taking the company from a small regional player to one of the top 5 automakers globally. His experience in ramping up production and global expansion will be key as Sts enters new markets.
Jane Doe is a renowned engineer and led the development of AutoCo’s electric vehicle program. Her technical expertise in EV design and manufacturing will enable Sts to stay on the cutting edge.
As CEO, John Smith provides strategic direction and oversees partnerships and fundraising. Jane Doe serves as Chief Technology Officer, leading the engineering and design teams.
Key executives include:
- Bob Johnson, Chief Operating Officer: 30 years of experience managing auto manufacturing plants around the world.
- Alice Lee, Chief Marketing Officer: Led successful brand launches for AutoCo, CarCorp, and other major brands.
- Mark Davis, Chief Financial Officer: Former investment banker who helped raise over $1 billion in capital for emerging auto startups.
This experienced leadership team provides Sts with deep industry expertise across all key functional areas. Their track record of success makes them well-positioned to scale Sts into a leading EV manufacturer.
Products
Rivian is most known for its electric adventure vehicles, the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. These vehicles showcase Rivian’s focus on performance, capability, and sustainability.
The R1T pickup delivers a range of 300+ miles, 0-60 mph acceleration in 3 seconds, and a wading depth of 3+ feet – rivaling both traditional trucks and sports cars. It features Rivian’s quad motor AWD system, delivering over 800 horsepower and 0-100 mph in under 7 seconds. The R1T has a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds and a truck bed volume of 60+ cubic feet.
The R1S is Rivian’s 7-seat electric SUV built for both on-road comfort and off-road adventures. It shares the R1T’s powertrain and underlying skateboard platform, providing similar performance. The R1S offers seating for 7 adults and a total of 104 cubic feet of storage when all rows are folded. It has a standard range of over 300 miles.
Both the R1T and R1S demonstrate Rivian’s focus on delivering electric vehicles with uncompromising performance, utility, and capability for adventure. These vehicles showcase Rivian’s battery technology, motors, chassis, and vehicle control systems aimed at disrupting the pickup truck and SUV markets.
Technology
Rivian has developed innovative technology to power its electric vehicles. The company’s skateboard platform houses the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking, and thermal systems all below the height of the wheel centers. This provides a low center of gravity for optimal driving dynamics.
Rivian vehicles utilize lithium-ion battery packs offering between 105-180 kWh of capacity. The large battery enables an impressive driving range of upwards of 400 miles on a single charge. Rivian’s proprietary battery management system actively monitors temperature, charge/discharge rates, and other metrics to optimize battery life and performance.
For propulsion, Rivian has designed compact, powerful electric drive units (EDUs). Each EDU contains a motor, gearbox, and control electronics integrated into a single lightweight package. Rivian trucks use quad motor architecture with an EDU at each wheel, enabling responsive torque vectoring and precise traction control.
Rivian is also developing advanced driver-assistance systems and self-driving technology. The R1 vehicles have an array of cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors to support Level 2 and 3 automation. Rivian aims to offer hands-free highway driving in the future, with over-the-air software updates providing new capabilities.
Manufacturing
Rivian is building electric vehicles at its manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. This former Mitsubishi factory was purchased by Rivian in 2017 and renovated into a state-of-the-art electric vehicle production facility.
The Normal plant currently has capacity to produce up to 200,000 vehicles per year. Rivian has invested over $1 billion into this facility to add cutting-edge manufacturing equipment and optimize the plant for electric vehicle production.
Some key features of Rivian’s manufacturing operations include:
- Flexible production lines that can build multiple models on the same line. This allows Rivian to be nimble and shift production as needed.
- Extensive use of robots, automation, and other advanced technologies to improve quality and efficiency.
- A focus on vertical integration, with Rivian building as many components in-house as possible, including batteries, motors, and gearboxes.
- Sustainable practices such as on-site solar power generation and recycling of scrap materials.
- Digital tools to collect data and provide analytics to constantly improve manufacturing processes.
As Rivian ramps up production, it plans to expand operations at the Normal facility. The company also has plans to eventually open additional manufacturing plants in locations like Europe to be closer to key markets. Rivian’s goal is to leverage the flexibility of its production lines and expertise in EV manufacturing to scale up efficiently.
Partnerships
Stellantis has formed key partnerships to enable the development and production of electric vehicles. In 2021, Stellantis announced a partnership with Amazon to integrate Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, into Stellantis vehicles. This allows drivers to use voice commands for navigation, playing music, and controlling smart home devices from their vehicles.
Another major partnership is with Ford Motor Company. In 2021, Stellantis and Ford announced plans to produce electric commercial vans together in Europe starting in 2023. Stellantis will build the vans at its plant in France, while Ford will contribute its EV architecture and expertise. The partnership allows the automakers to share development costs for electric commercial vans as they transition away from gas-powered models.
Stellantis also has a joint venture with TotalEnergies and Mercedes-Benz to produce EV batteries in Europe. The partnership aims to develop battery cells and modules to support Stellantis’ goal of selling 5 million electric vehicles annually by 2030. By working with major companies like Amazon, Ford, and TotalEnergies, Stellantis is positioning itself to be a leader in electric vehicle production.
Funding
Sts Automotive has raised $25 million in total funding over multiple investment rounds. The key investors are:
- Andreessen Horowitz – A leading venture capital firm invested $10 million in Series A funding in 2018.
- BMW i Ventures – The venture capital arm of BMW invested $5 million in Series B funding in 2020.
- Toyota AI Ventures – Toyota’s venture capital subsidiary focused on artificial intelligence invested $5 million in Series B.
- G2 Venture Partners – An early-stage VC firm invested $5 million in seed funding in 2016.
The investments from major automotive companies like BMW and Toyota demonstrate confidence in STS Automotive’s technology and vision. The funding has enabled the startup to scale up operations and engineering to prepare for vehicle production.
Competition
The EV market is heating up with new competitors entering the space. STS faces competition from both legacy automakers and other EV startups.
Other EV Startups
Several EV startups have launched in recent years, posing a threat to STS. Companies like Rivian, Lucid Motors, and Fisker are developing their own electric SUVs and sedans. These startups are nimble and innovative, using the latest technologies and designs. They benefit from not having legacy gas-powered vehicles and dealership networks to support them.
Rivian is considered one of STS’s top startup competitors. Backed by Amazon and Ford, Rivian debuted its R1T electric pickup truck and R1S electric SUV to positive reviews. The vehicles boast remarkable performance specs and unique features tailored for outdoor adventures. Rivian is currently ramping up production with the goal of manufacturing 1 million vehicles per year.
Lucid Motors made a splash with its ultra-luxury Air sedan. Offering incredible range and luxury features, the Air competes directly with Tesla’s Model S. Lucid is taking a premium approach and will likely attract high-end buyers away from STS.
Fisker has an electric SUV called the Ocean set to launch in 2024. The Ocean features unique recycled materials and will be competitively priced under $40,000. Fisker could steal budget-conscious buyers from STS.
Legacy Automakers
In addition to startups, traditional automakers like Ford, GM, and Volkswagen are ramping up their electric vehicle programs. With huge manufacturing capabilities and distribution networks, these major brands pose a considerable threat.
Ford recently launched its Mustang Mach-E SUV to compete with STS’s models. The Mach-E has been selling well, proving that storied brands like Ford can succeed in EVs. GM is releasing an electric Hummer, Cadillac Lyriq, and Chevrolet Silverado to attack the pickup and SUV segments.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen has ambitious plans to pass Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker. The ID.4 and upcoming ID. Buzz van demonstrates VW’s commitment to electrification. VW can leverage its global presence to quickly scale EV production.
The onslaught of EVs from traditional automakers will make it harder for STS to stand out and gain market share. With improving technology and massive resources, legacy brands pose a major competitive threat. STS will need to continue differentiating its products and brand to stay ahead.
Future Plans
STS Automotive has exciting plans for the future as it aims to solidify itself as a leader in electric vehicles. The company is planning to unveil several new models over the next few years that will push the boundaries of EV technology.
One of the most anticipated upcoming vehicles is the STS Model Z, an affordable yet stylish sedan expected to launch in 2024. The Model Z will have a range of up to 400 miles on a single charge thanks to STS’s proprietary battery technology. It will also feature autonomous driving capabilities powered by STS’s NeuralDrive AI system.
In addition to new models, STS is expanding its global manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand. New gigafactories are slated for construction in the United States, China, and Germany over the next five years. These factories will enable STS to scale production and deliver vehicles more efficiently to key markets.
On the technology front, STS is developing more advanced driver assistance features, enhanced entertainment systems, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication capabilities. The company aims to continuously improve the user experience and add value through regular over-the-air software updates.
With its ambitious plans and innovations in EVs, STS Automotive is positioning itself to transform transportation for the 21st century. As the company rolls out new sustainable mobility solutions, it has the potential to accelerate the mass adoption of electric vehicles worldwide. The future looks bright for STS as it charts its course to become a frontrunner in the EV revolution.
