Hey followers! Today, we’re diving into a hilarious yet serious battle in Ohio’s EV world. Rivian has filed a lawsuit trying to sell its electric vehicles directly to customers, challenging long-standing laws. It’s like a showdown between a fresh startup and the old-school car dealership giants.

Rivian wants the court to let it get a dealership license in Ohio so it can sell EVs straight to you. Right now, Ohio only allows sales through third-party dealerships, which Rivian argues is not only outdated but also harmful to consumers. They claim it reduces choices, hikes prices, and complicates things—basically, a giant roadblock for EV fans.

The law blocking direct sales traces back to a 2014 law crafted after heavy lobbying by the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association. This law uniquely favors Tesla, which has managed to operate with a direct-sales license since 2013. Rivian is asking for the same treatment, arguing that Ohio’s law is unfair, irrational, and unconstitutional, because it stifles competition and choice for buyers.

Rivian’s lawyers argue that other states, like Illinois and Texas, have already allowed EV makers to sell directly. Despite past wins—like in Illinois where Rivian was licensed to operate—Ohio’s law blocks similar moves. Rivian currently ships cars from other states to Ohio, but they believe they should be able to sell directly, just like Tesla.

Most notably, Rivian highlights that the law was influenced by a powerful dealership lobby, which essentially carved out Tesla’s right to sell direct while blocking other newcomers. Rivian is fighting back, claiming that Ohio’s restriction is unfair, harmful to consumers, and out of line with basic economic principles.

In the bigger picture, this legal saga is just part of a larger battle over how EVs are sold across the US. Rivian’s case could set a precedent for other emerging EV brands trying to shake up the traditional auto industry.