The Motley Foolยท2025-10-04 07:23Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential investment opportunity in Rivian, suggesting it could be a value stock with significant growth potential as it prepares to launch affordable electric vehicle models by 2026 [2][9]. Group 1: Tesla's Market Position - Tesla has been a remarkable investment, with shares increasing over 34,000% since 2010, largely due to its ability to deliver affordable electric vehicles [3]. - Approximately 70% of U.S. car buyers prefer to spend less than $50,000 on their next vehicle, which has influenced Tesla's strategy to offer lower-cost options [4]. - The introduction of the Model 3 in 2017 and the Model Y in 2020 has been pivotal, with over 90% of Tesla's sales coming from these two models [5]. Group 2: Rivian's Growth Potential - Rivian, which went public in 2021 with a market cap of $150 billion, has seen its valuation drop to below $20 billion, presenting a potential buying opportunity for value investors [8]. - The company has faced challenges, including regulatory headwinds and a lack of new model introductions, which have contributed to its declining stock price [9]. - Rivian plans to launch three new affordable SUV models (R2, R3, and R3X) in 2026, which could lead to a significant sales ramp-up, potentially outpacing Tesla's earlier launches [10][11].