Rivian backs Washington ballot initiative to allow direct EV sales

On the Dash:

• Rivian is investing $4.6 million to challenge Washington’s ban on direct EV sales.

• The ballot initiative seeks to end Tesla’s exclusive exemption.

• Lawmakers have repeatedly failed to pass similar reforms, shifting the fight to voters.

Rivian is backing a citizen-driven ballot initiative in Washington State that would allow EV manufacturers to sell directly to consumers, escalating a long-running fight over auto sales laws that currently favor Tesla.

Currently, the company has pledged $4.6 million to support the effort, which seeks to reverse a state statute that blocks consumers from buying vehicles directly from most manufacturers. To date, Tesla is the only automaker exempt from the restriction, leaving Rivian, Lucid, and others unable to sell vehicles in Washington despite operating showrooms.

The proposal is being advanced by the Washington Coalition for Consumer Choice and Innovation, which is aiming to qualify the measure for the November 2026 ballot. Organizers must collect at least 308,911 valid voter signatures by early July, though state officials recommend submitting closer to 390,000 to account for rejected signatures. 

As of late Thursday, Jan 22, the initiative had not yet been formally filed with the Secretary of State.

Sign up for CBT News’ daily newsletter and get the latest industry stories delivered straight to your inbox. 

It’s important to note that the push follows repeated legislative efforts that failed to change the law. Similar bills introduced in 2024 and 2025 stalled in the state House and died in committee.

However, supporters argue that allowing direct EV sales would expand consumer choice and accelerate EV adoption. In a statement, the coalition said Washington’s vehicle sales laws are outdated and should be updated to reflect changes in the auto market.

If successful, the ballot initiative would place Rivian and other EV manufacturers on equal footing with Tesla in Washington, shifting the debate over vehicle sales from the legislature directly to voters.