Rivian is sunsetting its least popular color paint option, and you can probably guess which
If you were waiting on a new Compass Yellow Rivian, I hate to break the news, but the EV maker is discontinuing the paint color option.
Rivian discontinuing the Compass Yellow color option
The Rivian R1T and R1S come standard with its LA Silver. However, you can choose to upgrade the paint color to Glacier White, Rivian Blue, Forest Green (my personal favorite), Red Canyon, Midnight, El Cap Granite, or Limestone.
Rivian did offer a Compass Yellow color option, but according to recent information relayed from the company, that will no longer be the case.
The EV maker sent an email out to R1T and R1S reservation holders waiting on a Compass Yellow model this week, stating, “We are unable to provide you a delivery window estimate at this time due to the upcoming discontinuation of the Compass Yellow in mid-September.”
Rivian says a follow-up email about the changes should be expected before mid-September, outlining when changes will need to be made. One user posted the following email on Rivian Owners Forum, confirming the details.
Meanwhile, the email gives you the option to choose another paint color. Or, Rivian says, if no action is taken, your reservation will automatically default to LA Silver (so make sure you check your email).
Rivian is also discontinuing the 20-inch all-terrain Bright wheel option and the vegan leather interior, according to reports posted on Rivian Owners Forum.
The EV maker planned to begin production of the vegan leather interior accents in both Ocean Coast and Black Mountain this year, but it’s no longer featured on Rivian’s website. All R1T and R1S models will come standard with natural-grained ash wood interior finishes.
Electrek’s Take
Although some may have had their hearts set on the Compass Yellow color, Bright all-terrain tires, or vegan leather interior, these were some of the most popular options.
Rivian looks to streamline production to get models in customers’ hands as quickly as possible. Discontinuing a few of the least popular options is an effective way to enhance efficiency.
Rivian’s gross margins improved by 50% in the most recent quarter as the EV maker introduced new in-house components like the Enduro drive units and LFP battery packs.
Meanwhile, deliveries also improved by 50% (12,640) as Rivian accelerated production at its Normal, Illinois, production facility.
After the strong showing in Q2, Rivian raised guidance and now expects to build 52,000 electric vehicles this year, more than doubling last year’s production total of 24,337.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
Source Links
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
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