Ford invests $500 million into Plymouth Township-based startup Rivian

Ford to use Rivian's electric platform to build Ford-branded all-electric car

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. – When you're filling up at the gas pump, do you feel like you're ready for an electric vehicle?

Ford Motor Co. is more than ready to make the change, jumping over General Motors to sink $500 million into Plymouth Township-based electric vehicle and automotive technology startup Rivian.

Ford will use Rivian's electric platform to build a Ford-branded all-electric vehicle.

Autotrader senior director Michell Krebs said the headline from the news is that Ford won a partnership with a hot new company.

She said customers should look for the Ford Rivian electric vehicle in commercial fleets first before the everyday driver gets involved. She said it should be more affordable, though.

Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe said software and technology companies want to be in Detroit, in this case, to rely on Ford's 116 years of experience making cars and trucks.

You can watch Shawn Ley's full story in the video posted above.


About the Authors:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.