Lifetime of Achievement: RJ Scaringe
For 15 years, RJ Scaringe has built a diverse team at electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian which – like he is – is obsessed with solving problems. RJ encourages his team to have courage, weave creativity into their profession and to value teamwork. He believes that a focus on collaboration is the only way to build the kind of world the next generation deserves, with his three young children continuing to inspire his infinite sense of wonder.
Redefining zero-emission transportation
Scaringe graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“The reason Rivian was created, and the reason we’re working hard, is to create products that shift mindsets and to create incredible experiences,” says Scaringe. “Not to build something that in any way is trying to create polarisation or trying to say ‘us versus them’. The scale of the challenge we have in terms of transitioning to sustainable energy is enormous, and this is not the time to be throwing stones.”
Rivian is based in Irvine, California, where it develops electric vehicles and accessories which are designed with the goal of accelerating the global transition to zero-emission transportation. In November 2021, Rivian joined the NASDAQ stock exchange, raising more than US$11.9bn and making Rivian one of the biggest IPOs in the automotive sector.
The R1T was Rivian’s first all-electric 5-passenger pickup, which was developed to help customers get out and explore the world. The R1T offered a range of more than 400 miles (643 km) as well as a wading depth of 1 metre. The pickup went on to become MotorTrend’s 2022 Truck of the Year.
“I started Rivian to deliver products that the world didn't already have – to redefine expectations through the application of technology and innovation,” says Scaringe. “Starting with a clean sheet, we have spent years developing the technology to deliver the ideal vehicle for active customers. This means having great driving dynamics on any surface on- or off-road, providing cargo solutions to easily store any type of gear – whether it's a surfboard or a fishing rod — and, very importantly, being capable of driving long distances on a single charge.”
Besides pickup trucks, Rivian has partnered with Amazon to build electric delivery vans. So far, the vans built for Amazon by Rivian have delivered more than 260 million packages and counting to its customers in the USA. Amazon aims to deploy thousands more of its electric delivery vans before 2030.
Rivian offers a full suite of services which support the entire lifecycle of a vehicle and ensure Rivian stays true to its mission – to keep the world adventurous, forever.
The future at Rivain: Affordable & sustainable
Whether taking families on new adventures or electrifying fleets at scale, Rivian vehicles all share a common goal — preserving the natural world for generations to come. To extend Rivian’s impact, RJ led the establishment of Forever, which is dedicated to addressing our planet’s climate crisis and preserving the critical biodiversity needed for our planet’s long-term survival.
Recently, Rivian has unveiled its new midsize platform with SUV R2 and crossover R3 product lines.
“I have never been more excited to launch new products – R2 and R3 are distinctly Rivian in terms of performance, capability and usability,” says Scaringe.
The design and engineering teams at Rivian are focused on advancing innovation to achieve lower costs for drivers.
“R2 provides buyers starting in the US$45,000 price range with a much-needed choice with a thoroughly developed technology platform that is bursting with personality,” he says. “I can’t wait to get these to customers.”
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