Rivian sacrifices 2027 profit goal to push deeper into autonomy

Rivian has abandoned its 2027 EBITDA-positive goal due to surging R&D spending on self-driving technology. The company spent $1.7 billion on R&D in 2025 and is investing heavily in a proprietary large driving model, custom silicon, and an autonomy computer targeting L4 capability. This comes alongside a new partnership with Uber worth up to $1.25 billion, involving up to 50,000 robotaxi versions of the upcoming R2 SUV. Additional financial pressures include the loss of federal EV tax credits, reduced regulatory credit sales, and tariff-related cost increases. Rivian has recorded $27 billion in total net losses since 2009 and faces further capital outlays for a new Georgia factory and R2 production launch.