California-based EV startup Rivian Automotive sold more electric vans last year in the U.S. than Dearborn-based legacy automaker Ford Motor Co, according to recent data from automotive research firm Kelley Blue Book.

Rivian sold 13,423 electric vans in the US last year, up 67% from 2023. In comparison, Ford sold 12,610 E-Transit vans in the US in 2024. In the fourth quarter, Rivian outpaced Ford, with nearly 4,400 EDVs sold compared to 3,354 E-Transit sales.

Rivian Automotive deployed vehicles to support relief activities in Los Angeles battling wildfires. Tesla and Ford also contributed.

As you might expect, it enraged nearby dealers, who feared factory-owned stores would receive preferential treatment. In the end, Ford’s efforts failed, reinforcing a key car dealer argument that while automakers may be good manufacturers, they aren’t good service providers or retailers.