Tesla Has Been Selling the World's Most Efficient EVs for Years, But Rivian May Have Just Unseated It

The article reports that Rivian’s new R2 Performance AWD matches Tesla’s Model Y on EPA efficiency (105 MPGe; 32 kWh/100 miles) and offers a longer EPA range (330 vs. 306 miles) thanks to a slightly larger battery. Rivian will begin final-order invitations June 9 with deliveries in 2–6 weeks, is expanding its Georgia plant capacity 50% to 300,000 units/year, and has strategic backing — a potential $1.25B investment and up to 50,000 R2 robotaxi purchases from Uber and a $5.8B JV with Volkswagen plus a $4.5B DOE loan. Market implication: Rivian’s engineering and cash support could erode one of Tesla’s durable advantages, intensifying competition in EVs and creating potential re‑rating pressure for both Rivian and Tesla shares.