Rivian posted record third-quarter sales, while Tesla’s deliveries declined year over year, as automakers continue to grapple with the end of federal EV tax credits in the U.S.
The details: Rivian delivered 19,248 vehicles in the third quarter, while Tesla delivered 486,532 units, down from 497,099 in the third quarter of 2025—with both electric automakers beating expectations.
Analysts had pegged Rivian’s Q3 deliveries at an average of 18,001 vehicles, according to data compiled by Visible Alpha, per Reuters.
Tesla’s third-quarter deliveries beat Visible Alpha estimates by 29,636 vehicles, with the automaker getting a boost in Europe.
What they’re saying: “Production and delivery results for the quarter are in line with Rivian's outlook. The company is reaffirming its 2026 delivery range guidance of 65,000 - 70,000,” Rivian’s press statement reads.
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Zooming out: Better-than-expected deliveries from Rivian and Tesla indicate that EV demand remains resilient for some models despite the loss of federal tax credits, giving dealers another signal that consumer interest in electric vehicles continues even as the market adjusts to fewer incentives.
Also, recent sales and future projections for both electric automakers suggest that practicality and affordability could play a larger role in the EV segment when it comes to appealing to consumers.
According to analysts, Rivian’s market growth will be driven by the more affordable R2, for which deliveries began in June, with a starting price of $44,990, per Reuters.
Sales of Tesla’s Cybertruck continue to fall, accounting for only about 7,000 of the company’s Q3 deliveries, along with semi-trucks and Cybercabs, per Ars Technica.
Bottom line: Rivian’s record quarter and Tesla’s better-than-expected deliveries highlight the uneven nature of the EV market following the end of federal tax credits.
From what we can tell, more practical and affordable offerings will likely continue to play a large role in sustaining demand as consumers become more selective.
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