Rivian pushes back R1S SUV deliveries yet again after the last delay

Rivian's latest electric vehicle is now facing another shipping delay. Customers who pre-ordered the R1S from Rivian have received an email this week notifying them that the expected June or July delivery date has been extended several months. Auto Evolution reports that customers on Rivian's forum were informed that their delivery window had been extended to August or September 2022, with delivery as late as October through December 2022.

The seven-passenger vehicle, which costs around $72,500 and has a starting date of 2018, was first revealed by Rivian in November 2018. The company has delayed deliveries several times because of manufacturing delays and supply chain difficulties. Deliveries for the initial batch of R1S SUVs were originally scheduled for August 2021.

According to the email, the company explained the latest delay as a result of ongoing supply chain difficulties and a restricted service infrastructure. It said that it would give higher priority to deliveries to locations that are near to Rivian service centers. Rivan presently has service centers in only 14 states, so customers in other regions will be disappointed by the wait.

Rivian has been hampered by a global parts scarcity, including semiconductors, which has limited production growth. The Tesla competitor cannot count on existing links with component suppliers, which have historically favored the larger, more established vehicle manufacturers.