Rivian to Construct Lincoln’s First Electric Vehicle In Major Win for Startup

Rivian to Construct Lincoln’s First Electric Vehicle In Major Win for Startup—And Ford

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The strong implications were there that Rivian would produce Lincoln’s electric premium SUV when Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe subtly referenced it in a recent interview. The lid is now fully off the secret as Ford officially announced that Lincoln and Rivian will collaborate on “a brand-new fully electric vehicle, using Rivian’s skateboard platform.”

“This partnership in developing vehicles with Ford presents an exciting fusion of our technology with Lincoln’s drive for innovation and sophistication,” expressed Scaringe. “We are thrilled to be working on Lincoln’s inaugural fully electric vehicle.”

In a previous interview, the executive described the upcoming Lincoln, now revealed to be an incoming model, as “an impressive product positioned within the SUV category.”

Scaringe mentioned that the development of this Lincoln vehicle is already finalized. However, a formal launch timeframe for the vehicle has not been disclosed by Scaringe or Ford, Lincoln’s parent company. Some sources have suggested a planned debut around mid-2022, which would position this as the second entirely electric Lincoln on the market following Ford’s Mach-E-based Lincoln E-CUV, a confirmation made by Ford North America’s president Kumar Galhotra a year ago. A Lincoln representative confirmed to The Drive that these will indeed be distinct models with entirely different design frameworks.

“This vehicle will be constructed upon Rivian’s skateboard,” a Lincoln spokesperson informed The Drive. “This differs from the Mach-E, which is grounded on Ford’s newly developed, electric modular architecture. The two platforms are entirely distinct from each other.”

Regardless of which model arrives first, they will complement the recently launched Aviator Grand Touring and Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrids occupying the midsize and compact segments respectively. With a current absence of electrified choices in the full-size Lincoln SUV lineup, and considering Rivian’s expertise lies in electric trucks, the chances are high for Lincoln’s Rivian-inspired model to dominate the full-size segment. The question remains whether this vehicle will coexist alongside the successful Navigator or potentially supersede it entirely.

“Collaborating with Rivian marks a significant milestone for Lincoln as we progress toward a future integrating fully electric vehicles,” remarked Lincoln’s president Joy Falotico. “This vehicle will redefine Quiet Flight—emission-free, effortless performance with integrated, user-friendly technology. It’s going to be a sight to behold.”

In the shift towards electrification, Lincoln’s struggling MKZ sedan will cease production to facilitate the manufacturing of new Ford offerings at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico. We reached out to Lincoln to ascertain whether this is linked to its electrification strategies and will update upon receiving feedback.

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