Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but their high upfront costs can be a barrier for many buyers. Rivian, the American electric adventure vehicle manufacturer, is addressing this challenge with limited-time incentives designed to make its R1T pickup and R1S SUV more accessible. Through September 2025, Rivian is offering trade-in bonuses, lease discounts, and federal tax credits that can save buyers up to $15,500.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the current Rivian deals, eligibility requirements, and strategies to maximize savings before these offers expire.
1. The Electric Refresh Offer: $1,500 Off with Any Trade-In
What Is the Electric Refresh Offer?
Rivian’s Electric Refresh incentive provides a $1,500 discount (or £1,500 / $2,100 CAD) when trading in any vehicle—whether it’s an EV, hybrid, or gas-powered car—toward the purchase or lease of a new 2025 Rivian R1T or R1S.
Which Rivian Models Qualify?
Not all configurations are eligible. The discount applies to:
- All Tri-Motor R1T and R1S models.
- Dual-Motor R1T/R1S with:
- Large or Max battery pack.
- Performance Upgrade.
This means base Dual-Motor models without the Performance Upgrade do not qualify.
Key Deadlines & Requirements
- Order must be placed by: September 1, 2025.
- Delivery must be completed by: September 30, 2025.
- Must trade in a vehicle (any make/model, running or not).
- Only applies to vehicles purchased through Rivian’s R1 Shop (no custom orders).
- Excludes: Demo vehicles, pre-owned Rivians, and orders placed before July 11, 2025.
How to Claim the Discount
- Get a trade-in estimate through Rivian’s online appraisal tool.
- Browse available R1T/R1S models in the R1 Shop.
- Place an order for an eligible vehicle.
- Contact a Rivian Sales Advisor to ensure the $1,500 discount is applied.
Pro Tip: If your local Rivian center doesn’t have your preferred configuration, you may need to pay a $1,600 transfer fee to ship one from another location.
2. Rivian Lease Deals: Stack Savings Up to $15,500
Leasing a Rivian can be even more cost-effective than buying, thanks to multiple stackable incentives. Two major lease deals are available through September:
A. “Nothing But Adventure” Lease Offer
- Applies to: 2025 Tri-Motor R1T or R1S leases.
- Savings breakdown:
- $6,500 from Rivian (applied as a down payment credit).
- $7,500 federal EV lease incentive (passed through by Rivian).
- $1,500 Electric Refresh trade-in bonus.
- Total potential savings: $15,500.
B. “Summer Lease Offer” (Dual-Motor Models)
- Applies to: 2025 Dual-Motor R1T/R1S with Performance Upgrade.
- Savings breakdown:
- $3,000–$5,000 Rivian discount (varies by battery size).
- $7,500 federal lease credit.
- $1,500 trade-in bonus.
- Total potential savings:
- Up to $14,000 (Max battery).
- Up to $12,000 (Large battery).
Lease vs. Purchase: Which Is Better?
- Leasing benefits: Lower monthly payments, flexibility to upgrade later, and full $7,500 federal credit (even if you don’t qualify for the purchase tax credit).
- Buying benefits: No mileage restrictions, long-term ownership equity, and 2.99% APR financing (if locked in before June 30, 2025).
Warning: The $7,500 federal lease credit could disappear soon if new legislation passes.
3. Why These Deals Won’t Last
Federal EV Incentives at Risk
The U.S. government’s EV tax credit program is under scrutiny, and changes could:
- Eliminate the $7,500 lease credit.
- Tighten battery sourcing rules, reducing eligibility.
Limited Inventory in the R1 Shop
Rivian’s R1 Shop updates frequently, but high-demand configurations (like Quad-Motor or Max Pack models) sell quickly. Waiting risks missing out on your preferred setup.
September 30 Deadline
All discounts require delivery by September 30, 2025. Production and shipping delays could jeopardize eligibility.
4. Additional Ways to Save on a Rivian
Referral Program: Earn $500 in Gear
- Refer a friend who buys/leases a Rivian.
- Both get 500 Rivian Points (redeemable for accessories like chargers or roof racks).
Free Charging Adapter for Tesla Superchargers
- Rivian provides a NACS (Tesla) adapter for seamless Supercharger access.
State & Local Incentives
- Some states offer additional rebates (e.g., California’s $2,000 Clean Vehicle Rebate).
5. Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Take Advantage of These Deals?
Best For:
✅ First-time EV buyers (trade in any car for $1,500 off).
✅ Budget-conscious shoppers (leasing can be cheaper than financing).
✅ Adventure seekers (R1T/R1S are built for off-roading).
Wait If:
⚠️ You want a custom build (only R1 Shop inventory qualifies).
⚠️ You’re outside the U.S./Canada (offers are region-locked).
⚠️ You’re holding out for the R2 (smaller, cheaper Rivian coming in 2026).
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Rivian Now?
Rivian’s September 2025 incentives are some of the best deals ever offered on the R1T and R1S. Between the $1,500 trade-in bonus, $6,500 lease credit, and $7,500 federal incentive, savvy shoppers can save thousands on an already premium EV.
However, time is running out. With potential changes to EV tax credits and limited inventory, acting before September 30 is crucial.
Next Steps:
- Check the R1 Shop for available models.
- Get a trade-in estimate.
- Contact a Rivian Advisor to lock in your deal.
Will you take advantage of these savings, or wait for the next-gen Rivian? Let us know in the comments!