Looks like this CNBC writer was unaware the R1S started shipping last Friday.
CNBC headline: How Amazon is giving Rivian an edge in the EV industry
PUBLISHED SUN, AUG 28 20229:00 AM EDTUPDATED SUN, AUG 28 20221:07 PM EDT
Rivian launched its first vehicle, the R1T electric truck, at the end of last year. It’s been working to scale up production and is planning to ship its SUV — the R1S — built off of the same platform, later this year.
It’s been a long and arduous road to get to this point. But Rivian has received some major assistance, including $700 million from Amazon in 2019 and $500 million from Ford a few months later. Initially, Rivian and Ford sought to develop a joint vehicle together, but the companies ended up canceling those plans.
However, the partnership with Amazon is still on track. Following its investment, Amazon said it would purchase 100,000 custom-built electric delivery vans, part of its move to electrify its last-mile fleet by 2040.