The Week in Tesla News: Rivian Gets OK for Colorado Sales, Fisker Ocean Info Flows and Tesla Takes Iowa State Fair(?)

Tesla takes pride in its sales model. Where traditional automakers use dealership franchises, Tesla sells directly to buyers via its website and, where legal, operates its own “galleries” to give prospective buyers a way to view a vehicle in person. Rivian, maker of the R1T and R1S electric pickup truck and SUV, has been lobbying for a bill in Colorado that would allow it to sell directly to consumers, as well, and that bill has now moved to the governor’s desk. In other related news on would-be Tesla rivals, Fisker also shared more details of its upcoming Ocean electric SUV, plus Tesla is making plans to go to the Iowa State Fair.

Related: Which 2019 Electric Cars Have the Greatest Range?

Here’s more on this week’s Tesla and Tesla-adjacent news:

Direct Sales for Rivian

The aforementioned Colorado bill will allow Rivian to sell its vehicles directly to consumers, joining Tesla, which operates multiple stores in the state. Dealership groups were able to amend the bill to prevent traditional manufacturers from also engaging in direct sales, which is perhaps a more existential threat to the dealership sales model than a niche manufacturer such as Rivian or Tesla. The bill has passed the Colorado House and Senate, where it’s expected to be signed into law by the governor.

Fisker Ocean Details

Fisker Inc., the Henrik Fisker-led automaker that rose from the ashes of Fisker Automotive, has released more information about its sub-$38,000 all-electric Ocean SUV. The Ocean will have four-wheel drive in all but the base trim level, and a 0-60-mph time of less than 3 seconds, according to Fisker. The SUV made headlines in late 2019 with its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, particularly for its “California Mode,” a one-touch feature that lowers nine different pieces of glass to open up the cabin. More details, such as power output, will be announced later this year or in 2021, with production scheduled to begin in 2022.

Tesla Coming to Iowa State Fair

Before Tesla-loving deep-fried butter aficionados get too excited, let’s clarify: Tesla the band is coming to the 2020 Iowa State Fair, where it will be performing as a “special guest” of Styx. You can find all the other details about the fair at the official Iowa State Fair website. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)

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