Rivian plans to build 50,000 vehicles this year, significantly less than many analysts had expected, and largely because of supply chain issues.
During the company’s letter issued to shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2022, the electric vehicle startup noted that it produced 10,020 vehicles in Q4 and delivered 8,054 vehicles. It added that the “supply chain continues to be the main limiting factory of our production” and said that challenges will persist into 2023. However, Rivian does expect supply chain shortages to be more predictable this year.
Rivian says that in the first quarter of 2023, it has deliberately slowed the commercial van production line to allow it to introduce the new Enduro powertrain and its new LFP battery packs. It plans to continue to ramp production of the second shift for the R1S and R1T through Q1 but during Q4, intends to pause production of the R1S and R1T “to prepare for the integration of vehicle technologies we plan to implement in 2024.”
Read: Rivian R1S Dual-Motor Max Coming This Fall With 390 Mile Range
“We believe the supply chain will continue to be the main limiting factor of our Normal
facility output,” the carmaker added. “Our team continues to work on the introduction of new engineering design changes and key technologies which will take effect during the second half of 2023 to help mitigate anticipated supply chain constraints.”
Reuters states that analysts had expected that Rivian would produce approximately 67,000 vehicles this year.
The new Enduro powertrain from Rivian will consist of an enlarged battery pack and two electric motors to provide as much as 390 miles (623 km) of range, significantly more than the EPA range of 321 miles (517 km) of the current flagship R1S. This new powertrain will send the R1S to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds.
