Rivian’s $5 Billion Gamble: Can America’s EV Startup Survive Without Government Handouts?

As Rivian Automotive breaks ground on its long-delayed $5 billion electric vehicle factory in Georgia, the stakes could not be higher for this California-based startup aiming to prove that American manufacturing and innovation can thrive without relying on government subsidies. But with federal tax incentives ending Sept. 30, a shrinking electric vehicle market in the U.S., and mounting competition from legacy automakers backed by deep pockets, Rivian faces a critical test of endurance and strategic vision. Is America Ready for an EV Maker That Doesn’t Depend on Federal Handouts? The Trump administration's rollback of electric vehicle tax credits was a...