Electric Vehicle Maker Rivian Expands Footprint with New Facility in Katy
Rivian, the fast-growing American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is making moves in the Greater Houston area with the construction of a new facility in Katy, Texas, further expanding its national footprint and signaling continued investment in one of the country’s fastest-growing suburban markets.
Located at 21021 Canpanile Drive, the upcoming 33,750-square-foot facility represents a $1 million privately funded project, with construction set to begin in early April 2025, and completion targeted for the beginning of December 2025, according to recent permit filings.
The scope of work includes a ground-up metal building and office build-out, suggesting the facility could serve as a regional service center, showroom, or support facility—a common format for Rivian locations around the U.S. While Rivian has not publicly confirmed the exact use of the Katy facility, its presence is expected to bring increased convenience for EV owners in Katy, West Houston, Cypress, and the surrounding areas.
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What Is Rivian?
Founded in 2009 by CEO RJ Scaringe, Rivian is an electric vehicle startup headquartered in Irvine, California, with manufacturing operations in Normal, Illinois. The company has gained widespread recognition for its electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, both built for rugged terrain and outdoor lifestyles. The company’s vehicles are known for their innovative features, sustainable engineering, and focus on adventure-oriented consumers.
What sets Rivian’s electric vehicles apart is their combination of rugged performance, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable design. Built on Rivian’s proprietary skateboard platform, which integrates the battery pack, drive units, suspension, and braking systems into a low center of gravity, the R1T truck and R1S SUV offer exceptional off-road capability and stability. Each vehicle features quad-motor all-wheel drive, allowing for precise torque control at each wheel—a major advantage for off-road enthusiasts and those navigating tough terrain.
With battery range options exceeding 300 miles, fast-charging capabilities, and smart software integration, Rivian vehicles also include features like the Gear Tunnel (a pass-through storage compartment unique to Rivian), integrated camping gear options, and an immersive digital cockpit. Their vehicles are built not only for the road ahead but for the journey off it, blending high performance with eco-conscious engineering.
Rivian went public in late 2021 and is backed by major investors including Amazon, which has ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans as part of its pledge to become carbon-neutral by 2040. In addition to its consumer lineup, Rivian has committed to revolutionizing last-mile delivery with its electric commercial vehicles.
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Growing Presence Across the U.S. and Texas
Rivian continues to strategically expand its physical presence to support its growing customer base. In Texas, the company already operates a service center in Houston near Spring, and its Austin service center serves the Central Texas region. The Katy location will mark a significant westward expansion in the Houston metro area, improving access to Rivian’s services for customers in Fort Bend County, Harris County, and beyond.
The Houston region’s growing demand for electric vehicles, paired with its strategic infrastructure and population growth, makes it an ideal location for Rivian’s continued expansion. Katy, in particular, offers proximity to major roadways like Interstate 10 and Highway 99 (Grand Parkway)—key for supporting both customer access and logistical operations.
Economic and Community Impact
The new facility will contribute to local job creation and reflects growing confidence in the Texas EV market, where consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable transportation options. It also highlights how Katy, traditionally known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and retail hubs, is evolving into a regional center for innovation and green technology.
As Texas continues to emerge as a key player in the national energy transition, Rivian’s presence in Katy adds another milestone in the state’s electric mobility transformation. The project aligns with broader trends toward clean energy investment, electric vehicle adoption, and transportation infrastructure modernization.
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Looking Ahead
With the facility expected to be completed by the end of 2025, Katy residents and EV enthusiasts can look forward to greater accessibility to Rivian products, maintenance services, and support. As the company continues to innovate and expand, its new location in Katy marks another step in bringing electric mobility closer to communities across Texas.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
