Connect with us

News

Rivian faces new competition in commercial EV space from Hyundai and Kia partnership

Credit: Arrival

Published

on

Hyundai and Kia have invested approximately $110 million into British-based electric car startup Arrival. The new partnership announced through a press release will position the Korean automakers in the emissions-free commercial vehicle category that e-commerce giant Amazon looks to secure through its partnership with Rivian.

The $110 million investment was split into two different amounts, $22 million from Kia Motors and the remaining $88 million from Hyundai. Both companies are working toward a future that includes a strong lineup of electric vehicles in its bid to increase its presence in the sustainable transportation sector.

With Arrival’s main headquarter in London, and offices in Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, and the United States, the electric car startup looks to expand its global reach through the new partnership.

The three companies came to an agreement that will allow both Kia and Hyundai to use Arrival’s “skateboard chassis” and electric car technologies to produce battery-electric commercial vehicles. The opportunity will also position the automakers to reduce their carbon footprint from the use of diesel-powered commercial vehicles.

Arrival’s Chief Strategy Officer Avinash Rugoobur stated, “We are excited to come out of stealth mode with our partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, and our complementary expertise will allow us to rapidly design, build and roll out vehicles together. Accelerating electric vehicle adoption is good for everyone – for people, business and the planet and we are pleased to undertake this mission with our partners Hyundai and Kia.”

Advertisement

This new partnership between the three companies can be seen as Rivian’s first competition in the commercial vehicle market. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced the partnership with Rivian last year and the company’s plans to buy 100,000 electric vans from the Plymouth, Michigan-based electric truck maker.

Competition for Rivian in the commercial vehicle sector will accelerate the transition to sustainable forms of transportation in the delivery vehicle industry. Transitioning delivery vehicles to electric power will remove a significant amount of carbon from the Earth’s atmosphere by minimizing the climate impact from the millions of packages being delivered via diesel-powered vehicles every day.

Rivian has unveiled its consumer-oriented R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV to the public at its numerous reservation holder events. Pictures of the Rivian-powered electric van were released by Amazon the same day Bezos announced the partnership.

Joey has been a journalist covering electric mobility at TESLARATI since August 2019. In his spare time, Joey is playing golf, watching MMA, or cheering on any of his favorite sports teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, Miami Heat, Washington Capitals, and Penn State Nittany Lions. You can get in touch with joey at joey@teslarati.com. He is also on X @KlenderJoey. If you're looking for great Tesla accessories, check out shop.teslarati.com

Advertisement
Comments

News

Tesla Semi completes 5,000-mile winter trial with thyssenkrupp

The test covered nearly 5,000 miles in winter conditions.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla Semi/X

thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services has completed a three-week pilot of the Tesla Semi at one of its California logistics hubs, marking a new step in the company’s sustainability push. The test covered nearly 5,000 miles in winter conditions and focused on evaluating the electric Class 8 truck’s efficiency, transparency, and operational performance.

Tesla Semi offers efficiency gains and real-time logistics visibility

During the pilot, the Tesla Semi was used for active freight delivery, including routes over the Altamont Pass. thyssenkrupp evaluated the vehicle’s ability to reduce downtime, enhance delivery speed, and offer greater real-time supply chain visibility, the company noted in a press release.

Live diagnostics and performance monitoring allowed the logistics provider to track metrics such as speed, routes, and overall efficiency—data that supports smarter and more transparent logistics operations.

“The Tesla Semi aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence,” said Bob Denehy, Chief Commercial Officer at thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services. “Its efficiency and diagnostic features, and low environmental impact make it a natural fit for our evolving logistics strategy.”

Pilot builds on long-term partnership with Tesla and green energy goals

A logistics partner to Tesla since 2015, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services was one of the first companies selected to test the Tesla Semi in a real-world setting. The trial reinforces the company’s push into renewable energy logistics and reflects its long-term goal of integrating alternative-fuel technologies across its operations. 

Advertisement

Plans are now underway to begin adding electric Semis to its fleet as part of a wider emissions-reduction effort. The pilot is thus the latest example of how logistics providers are embracing next-generation transport technologies to meet environmental goals and enhance supply chain performance.

Continue Reading

News

Tesla Semi shows strong results in ArcBest’s real-world freight trial

The truck handled varied terrain, including a 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass.

Published

on

Credit: ArcBest/X

ArcBest has successfully wrapped up a three-week pilot program testing a Class 8 Tesla Semi in over-the-road applications. The trial was conducted through ArcBest’s ABF Freight division, and it covered routes between Reno and Sacramento and regional operations around the Bay Area.

Tesla Semi pilot sees strong performance and positive driver feedback

The Tesla Semi logged 4,494 miles during the pilot, averaging 321 miles per day with an energy efficiency of 1.55 kWh per mile. The Tesla Semi handled varied terrain, including a 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass, and delivered performance comparable to diesel counterparts. 

Drivers who participated in the pilot also gave positive feedback to the Tesla Semi, citing the Class 8 all-electric truck’s comfort, safety, and visibility thanks to features like a center seating position and intuitive controls. Matt Godfrey, president of ABF Freight, shared his thoughts on the pilot in a press release

“We’re not looking for a truck that performs well ‘for an EV.’ It must meet or exceed the performance and total cost of ownership targets of our most efficient diesel units. This pilot gives us great insight into the potential of EV semis in our operations,” he said. 

ArcBest highlights need for more charging infrastructure

While the pilot met expectations, ArcBest noted that broader deployment of Class 8 all-electric trucks like the Tesla Semi will still depend on improvements in charging infrastructure. This way, longer-haul operations become more than feasible.

Advertisement

The pilot marks another step in ArcBest’s investment in sustainable logistics technologies. In addition to testing the Tesla Semi, the company operates a small fleet of EVs, including nine electric yard tractors, two electric forklifts, and two Class 6 electric straight trucks. Dennis Anderson, ArcBest chief innovation officer, noted that vehicles like the Tesla Semi are notable developments in the transportation sector.

“Freight transportation is a vital part of the global economy, and we know it also plays a significant role in overall greenhouse gas emissions. While the path to decarbonization presents complex challenges — such as infrastructure needs and alternative fuel development — it also opens the door to innovation. Vehicles like the Tesla Semi highlight the progress being made and expand the boundaries of what’s possible as we work toward a more sustainable future for freight,” he stated.

Continue Reading

Investor's Corner

Tesla could save $2.5B by replacing 10% of staff with Optimus: Morgan Stanley

Jonas assigned each robot a net present value (NPV) of $200,000.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla Optimus/X

Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) near-term outlook may be clouded by political controversies and regulatory headwinds, but Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas sees a glimmer of opportunity for the electric vehicle maker. 

In a new note, the Morgan Stanley analyst estimated that Tesla could save $2.5 billion by replacing just 10% of its workforce with its Optimus robots, assigning each robot a net present value (NPV) of $200,000.

Morgan Stanley highlights Optimus’ savings potential

Jonas highlighted the potential savings on Tesla’s workforce of 125,665 employees in his note, suggesting that the utilization of Optimus robots could significantly reduce labor costs. The analyst’s note arrived shortly after Tesla reported Q2 2025 deliveries of 384,122 vehicles, which came close to Morgan Stanley’s estimate and slightly under the consensus of 385,086.

“Tesla has 125,665 employees worldwide (year-end 2024). On our calculations, a 10% substitution to humanoid at approximately ($200k NPV/humanoid) could be worth approximately $2.5bn,” Jonas wrote, as noted by Street Insider.

Jonas also issued some caution on Tesla Energy, whose battery storage deployments were flat year over year at 9.6 GWh. Morgan Stanley had expected Tesla Energy to post battery storage deployments of 14 GWh in the second quarter.

Advertisement

Musk’s political ambitions

The backdrop to Jonas’ note included Elon Musk’s involvement in U.S. politics. The Tesla CEO recently floated the idea of launching a new political party, following a poll on X that showed support for the idea. Though a widely circulated FEC filing was labeled false by Musk, the CEO does seem intent on establishing a third political party in the United States. 

Jonas cautioned that Musk’s political efforts could divert attention and resources from Tesla’s core operations, adding near-term pressure on TSLA stock. “We believe investors should be prepared for further devotion of resources (financial, time/attention) in the direction of Mr. Musk’s political priorities which may add further near-term pressure to TSLA shares,” Jonas stated.

Continue Reading

Trending