The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: John Taylor on future EV market share of Rivian
Electric vehicle maker Rivian confirmed its plans to build a $5 billion assembly plant and battery factory in Georgia, which Governor Brian Kemp called the largest single economic development project in the state’s history. Rivian plans to employ 7,500 workers at its factory, a jobs tally state officials have said could grow to 10,000. The plant will be built about an hour east of Atlanta, with construction slated to begin next summer and production at the factory expected to begin in 2024. Georgia beat out Texas and several other states for the factory. While Rivian might be well-financed and valued highly by Wall Street, the company faces several challenges to meet its goals. The company first must deliver quality vehicles, build its capacity to service the vehicles it sells and fend off EV competition from rivals such as Tesla, GM, Ford and Volkswagen, said John C. Taylor, a professor of supply chain management at Wayne State University. “Whether Rivian will get a significant share of (the future EV market), the jury is still out,” Taylor said.
