Rivian reported record third-quarter deliveries, while Tesla delivered more vehicles than market estimates expected despite a year-on-year decline. Elsewhere, Ford’s US electric-vehicle sales fell sharply, and BYD continued to expand its international momentum through exports.
Rivian raises delivery momentum into the fourth quarter
Rivian delivered 19,248 vehicles in the third quarter, its highest quarterly delivery total to date, and reaffirmed its annual guidance. The company has also said it expects fourth-quarter deliveries of between 23,200 and 28,200 vehicles.
The outlook suggests Rivian is targeting a stronger finish to the year after its record Q3 result. The company is also preparing to hold its second Autonomy & AI Day in San Francisco on December 9, while continuing to develop software features for its R1 and R2 models. Planned features include Teen and Valet modes for early 2027, according to Rivian, while R2 owners are set to receive a live Pet Cam function in a forthcoming software update.
Tesla beats delivery expectations despite decline
Tesla reported third-quarter deliveries of 486,532 vehicles, down 2.1% from a year earlier but above estimates. The company’s UK registrations nearly doubled in September to 15,875, underlining the importance of regional performance as delivery results vary between markets.
Tesla also introduced a policy allowing drivers to leave Supercharger sites while their vehicles remain connected following a shooting incident. The change addresses a practical issue around charging-site safety and vehicle access, although no further operational details were provided.
Ford’s US EV sales fall as BYD export growth accelerates
Ford’s US EV sales dropped 80% in the third quarter, with Mustang Mach-E sales falling 72%. The figures point to a difficult period for Ford’s electric portfolio in its home market, where established manufacturers face increasing pressure from Tesla, domestic rivals and Chinese brands expanding internationally.
BYD, meanwhile, reported that its global sales rose 17% in September. Its exports climbed 154%, highlighting the company’s growing activity outside China. BYD has also said permitting could delay the opening of its first flash-charging stations in Spain.
Other Chinese manufacturers reported mixed results. Leapmotor delivered a record 105,656 vehicles in September and said it had passed its 2025 total. XPeng met its third-quarter delivery guidance, although its nine-month deliveries were reported to be 9% below its 2025 pace. Li Auto’s September deliveries fell 6%, leaving it short of the pace required for its annual target.
Charging networks and European expansion remain strategic priorities
Geely has launched a Canadian website and announced plans for a dealer network, signalling a potential expansion effort in the market. In Europe, XPeng signed Emil Frey as a German dealer as it pursues 110 sites.
Charging infrastructure remains a competitive focus. IONNA said it had taken the leading position in US 400kW charging as its network approached 200 sites, while Nio set a daily battery-swap record of 183,469 swaps during China’s National Day.