Rivian Automotive is laying off more than 600 employees, roughly 4.5% of its workforce, as the electric vehicle maker tries to get leaner before its most important product launch yet.
The cuts target non-manufacturing roles across service, sales, and marketing. CEO RJ Scaringe framed the decision as a necessary step toward operational consolidation ahead of the company’s lower-cost R2 SUV, which is targeted for production in 2026.
A year of steady trimming
This isn’t Rivian’s first round of layoffs in 2025. It’s not even the second.
Back in June, the company cut about 140 salaried manufacturing positions to sharpen efficiency at its production facilities. Then in September, another 1.5% of staff was let go as Rivian shifted resources toward the R2 program.
