Electric Car Maker Opens Dealership in Minnesota – It’s Not Tesla

Maybe at some point this will change, but as of right now, electric vehicles are not my jam.  I get the whole gas price thing, so maybe a hybrid would be useful, but I am not ready to turn completely over to an electric vehicle.

IT'S NOT A TESLA, BUT IT IS A HIGH END ELECTRIC VEHICLE NOT A HYBRID

There is a high-end electric car maker that has been based mostly on the West Coast.  It makes sense; they have several options for charging stations.  They also have higher gas prices than we do here in the Upper Midwest.  I get it.  However, these vehicles are manufactured in Normal, Illinois.

NOT JUST A DEALERSHIP - THESE ARE EXPERIENCE CENTERS

Now, this electric car maker Rivian has opened a sort of dealership.  Only they don't call is that.  It's called an "experience center".  Seriously.  But since these vehicles are electric, they can actually take up space in a mall.  And that is exactly what has happened.

Rivian has opened the "experience center" in the Galleria located in Edina.  They have a mall entrance that is located near Crave restaurant.

These vehicles are not cheap, either.  Nor are any of the electric or hybrid vehicles if you haven't noticed.  According to Bring Me the News, these vehicles will run you starting north of $70,000 and rising to more than $130,000.  That's for new.  Have you seen that many used electric vehicles for sale?  Granted, I haven't really looked, but there aren't many.  So, you pay that high-end price, then go look for a charging station.  There are some here in the St. Cloud area.  Or, you have the option to have one installed in your garage.  That's not cheap either.

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Apparently they are working on a more affordable vehicle.  It will start at about $48K and is slated to be available late this Spring.  So end of June?  Possibly.

THIS IS STRANGE - BUT THERE ARE NO VEHICLES FOR SALE IN THIS LOCATION

There are no vehicles for sale in this alternative to a regular dealership, but you can go in and check what they do have available for order.

Customers order Rivian’s trucks and SUVs, which are custom-built at its factory in Normal, Ill. Alternatively, the company’s R1 Shop has a selection of pre-configured R1S and R1T vehicles, which are often available for delivery in 14 days or less, according to the company.

Would you want to own one of these vehicles?

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