Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN) stock is trading lower over the past week with news the company was raising $1.2 billion via an offering of 75 million shares. It turns out it’s not just the company trying to raise money after initial deliveries of the R2 vehicle, one early owner of the highly anticipated electric vehicle is also trying to cash in.
Rivian R2 Sees Early Demand
The highly anticipated R2 vehicle recently began first consumer deliveries, with the vehicle priced at a starting point of $57,990 or around $59,485 for the launch edition.
Demand has been strong for Rivian, with the company reporting second-quarter deliveries of 12,194 vehicles, citing the R2 as helping it beat its own outlook of 9,000 to 11,000 vehicles.
With the strength of the results and demand for the R2, Rivian raised its full-year vehicle delivery outlook from a range of 62,000 to 67,000 to a new range of 65,000 to 70,000 vehicles.
The R2 is currently two to six weeks out for anyone who orders one today, meaning you would have to wait a month or more to get your hands on the new vehicle.
For anyone who wants an R2 vehicle immediately, there is at least one early model for sale on Cars.com, according to Electrek.
That vehicle is listed at a sales price of $79,900, about $20,000 above its retail price. The vehicle’s owner, who is in Colorado, says they no longer need the R2, which was intended as a present for someone else.
News of the listing comes after Rivian recently raised $1.2 billion by selling 75 million shares. The offering could be viewed as a negative for potential dilution to some, while others will see the move as much-needed capital to support the production and deliveries of the R2.
Blocking Resales
While the vehicle may not sell, especially given the waiting period of only six weeks, this is an example of supply and demand and how some companies discourage resales.
Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) is notorious for blocking the resale of popular vehicles, with the Cybertruck carrying stiff penalties for anyone caught selling their early-delivery model or their place in line.
This didn’t stop some people from trying to sell their place in line for Cybertruck delivery on eBay.
Tesla warned that those who were caught may face penalties and not be able to order from the company in the future.
For Rivian, the R2 could be the biggest catalyst for the company in years, and the attention to a resale model could actually help the company.
If the vehicle sells for $79,900, it could mean that Rivian has a hit on its hands and people would rather pay a premium now to get their hands on the vehicle before waiting.
With rising production capabilities, Rivian hopes to continue to see demand. While consumers don’t like waiting, a wait time of two to six weeks for the new model signals healthy demand for Rivian.
Rivian Stock Price Action
Rivian stock is up 1% to $16.66 on Wednesday versus a 52-week trading range of $11.57 to $22.66. Rivian stock is down 14.1% year-to-date in 2026.
Photo: Tada Images / Shutterstock
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