Benzinga·2025-12-10 09:15Core Viewpoint - The U.S. EV market is facing a significant lack of consumer choice, primarily due to supply-side constraints rather than demand issues [2]. Group 1: Supply-Side Constraints - CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized that the U.S. EV sector has a "shocking lack of choice" compared to Europe and China, with Tesla being the only realistic option under $50,000 for American consumers [2]. - Scaringe pointed out that while there are 300 different internal combustion engine choices available, the options for compelling EVs in the same price range are limited [2]. Group 2: Rivian's Product Launch - Rivian is preparing to launch the R2 crossover SUV, which is expected to retail for $45,000, with deliveries set to begin in the first half of next year [3]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The Trump administration has relaxed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards, which they claim will enhance consumer choice and affordability [4]. - However, these relaxed norms may pose challenges for EV manufacturers like Rivian, which depend on Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) credit sales for revenue, having previously reported a loss of over $100 million due to changing policies [5]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - Despite the administration's anti-EV stance, Scaringe believes the rollback of the $7,500 Federal EV credit could benefit Rivian by reducing competition from legacy automakers in the EV market [6]. - Rivian reported a 24% year-over-year increase in sales for November, selling 4,500 units of its R1T and R1S Pickup trucks [6]. Group 5: Stock Performance - Rivian's stock showed a slight increase of 0.17%, reaching $17.74 during after-hours trading [7].