Rivian Backs $4.6M Push for Direct EV Sales in Washington

Washington drivers might soon decide whether they can buy electric vehicles the same way they shop for smartphones: directly from the maker.

Rivian, the electric truck manufacturer, just pledged $4.6 million to get a measure on the November 2026 ballot. The initiative would let EV companies sell cars straight to consumers instead of forcing shoppers to go through traditional dealerships.

Right now, Washington has an unusual setup. Tesla enjoys exclusive rights to sell directly to buyers, a status it's held for over a decade. Meanwhile, competitors like Rivian and luxury brand Lucid can only operate showrooms where you can look but not buy.

The Washington Coalition for Consumer Choice and Innovation is leading the charge. "We believe that all Washington drivers should have the option to test drive and purchase the vehicle of their choice," the group said in a statement.

To get on the ballot, they need to collect at least 308,911 voter signatures by early July. The group has hired Winner & Mandabach Campaigns, a California firm boasting a 90% success rate on ballot measures.

Lawmakers have tried fixing this issue through legislation, but those efforts haven't gained traction. Last year, a coalition of environmental and business groups pushed for change, arguing that more direct sales would speed up EV adoption and help Washington meet its climate goals.

Car dealerships have strongly opposed these efforts, concerned about losing business to direct sales models. The 2025 bill stalled in committee, though the committee chair said the legislation simply lacked broader support.

The Ripple Effect

Opening up direct sales could do more than just change where people buy cars. Environmental advocates see it as a critical step toward getting more electric vehicles on Washington roads faster.

When buyers have more options and fewer middlemen, the theory goes, they're more likely to make the switch from gas to electric. That momentum could help the entire state reduce transportation emissions, one of the biggest sources of carbon pollution.

If the initiative qualifies and passes, Washington would join a growing number of states rethinking century-old car sales laws for the electric age. Other EV makers watching from the sidelines could soon set up shop, giving buyers even more climate-friendly choices.

Voters will have the final say in 2026 on whether it's time to update the rules.