Report: Rivian stockpiled battery supply ahead of tariffs

[Electric Rivilution]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...ev-batteries-from-asia-ahead-of-trump-tariffs

https://electrek.co/2025/04/30/rivian-rivn-built-ev-battery-supply-trumps-tariffs/

According to a Bloomberg report on Wednesday, Rivian has been stockpiling lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells from Gotion High-Tech since last year. The battery cells are used in Rivian’s Commercial Van, initially used by Rivian and now open to other businesses.

Sources familiar with the matter said Rivian covered the upfront costs to stockpile inventory for later use. China’s Gotion paid for and built a separate reserve in the US.

The sources also said that Rivian is working with Samsung SDI to move a significant portion of its battery supply from Korea to the US. Battery cells from Samsung are used in Rivian’s R1S electric SUV and R1T pickup. All three vehicles are built at Rivian’s manufacturing plant in Normal, IL.

The move is to ensure Rivian has enough supply while minimizing potential higher prices and other complications from the tariffs.

As it prepares to launch its smaller, more affordable R2, sources said Rivian is looking to secure similar deals for batteries and raw materials in the future. Rivian has reportedly already signed its first agreement, but no other details were offered.

The upcoming R2 will use cells from LG Energy Solution. Although they will initially come from Korea, LG will produce the next-gen batteries in Arizona.

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[NY_Rob]

Good to see I wasn't the only one stockpiling overseas goods lately

 

[SSteveEV]

Good to see I wasn't the only one stockpiling overseas goods lately

Like solar panels for our wild vampire drain workarounds?

As I checked out my new golf driver today they explained that Callaway had just informed the shop they wouldn't be raising retail prices but did trim their wholesale margins. Pity I didn't know that before hitting a few straight and handing them a credit card

 

[SSteveEV]

Oh and good for Rivian planning ahead!

(Looking forward to seeing a "no politics" warning added to this thread in the future)

 

[JRock]

I’m left wondering how I can possibly comment on this brilliant move by Rivian without incurring the wrath of the moderator? Perhaps I could say that the tariffs are the move of a stable genius? (Is telling a white lie political speech in this case?)

 

[mikehmb]

I’m left wondering how I can possibly comment on this brilliant move by Rivian without incurring the wrath of the moderator? Perhaps I could say that the tariffs are the move of a stable genius? (Is telling a white lie political speech in this case?)

If it’s couched in reality I’m pretty sure the admin will leave you alone.

Random tariffs are bad for planning a business that has an international supply chain. That’s just a fact. It is still so chaotic that we are all wearing neck braces from the whiplash at my company.

 

[SSteveEV]

I’m left wondering how I can possibly comment on this brilliant move by Rivian without incurring the wrath of the moderator? Perhaps I could say that the tariffs are the move of a stable genius? (Is telling a white lie political speech in this case?)

Gasp! How dare you suggest discussing anything but the cumulative kWh volume of stockpile with a first rate poker face and no follow up questions?

 

[iansriv]

Good to see I wasn't the only one stockpiling overseas goods lately

Was at Costco this weekend and saw loads of people buying loads of toilet paper. This is either stockpiling or suddenly everyones "metabolism" has gone into overdrive.

 

[SSteveEV]

Was at Costco this weekend and saw loads of people buying loads of toilet paper. This is either stockpiling or suddenly everyones "metabolism" has gone into overdrive.

Uh oh, I'm finally running low on my 2020 stockpile.
Anyone willing to trade for some paper towels? Or three shells?

 

[ThirteenElectrics]

I’m curious to see whether these tariffs cause the dollar to strengthen, and, if so, if it strengthens to be more than the tariff. Not a 200% tariff, but maybe a 10% one. Trump has already offered some leeway on parts for cars assembled in the US.

 

[Killer95Stang]

Like solar panels for our wild vampire drain workarounds?

As I checked out my new golf driver today they explained that Callaway had just informed the shop they wouldn't be raising retail prices but did trim their wholesale margins. Pity I didn't know that before hitting a few straight and handing them a credit card

We are safe... i can't get my wife to ditch her Ping Eye 2 beryllium irons.... I have a fitting scheduled for new drivers and woods, but she will not consider new irons.

 

[Rivdog]

Uh oh, I'm finally running low on my 2020 stockpile.
Anyone willing to trade for some paper towels? Or three shells?

I doubt anyone else will get the quote, but epic movie!

 

[SSteveEV]

We are safe... i can't get my wife to ditch her Ping Eye 2 beryllium irons.... I have a fitting scheduled for new drivers and woods, but she will not consider new irons.

Next time you need a present for her have them refinished by Ping, I'm told it's shockingly reasonable and quick. Though I don't know if they would do it for the copper. Neat set, I get why they would be hard to pry away from her.

 

[SSteveEV]

I doubt anyone else will get the quote, but epic movie!

Only needed one, thanks for getting it

 

[Killer95Stang]

Next time you need a present for her have them refinished by Ping, I'm told it's shockingly reasonable and quick. Though I don't know if they would do it for the copper. Neat set, I get why they would be hard to pry away from her.

Thanks, ill look into it. These were the illegal square notch ones...

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