Overview

• On August 4, Rivian filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. Southern District of Ohio against the state DMV to challenge a 2014 law banning manufacturer-owned retail licenses.
• The complaint labels the ban “irrational in the extreme,” arguing it suppresses competition, limits consumer choice and drives up costs.
• Ohio’s statute grants Tesla an exclusive carve-out to operate direct showrooms while preventing Rivian and other automakers from securing similar licenses.
• Under the ban, Rivian may service, rent and deliver vehicles in Ohio but must complete sales transactions out-of-state.
• Rivian is asking the court to allow it to apply for a dealership license, marking its first state-level challenge with potential to reshape EV direct-sales laws.