Washington State Passes Direct EV Sales Bill

Washington State Lawmakers Pass Bill Allowing Rivian and Lucid to Sell EVs Directly to Customers

Washington state lawmakers have passed a bill that could enable Rivian and Lucid to sell electric vehicles directly to customers, similar to Tesla. The bill, Senate Bill six three five four, was approved by the House on March twelfth with strong bipartisan support. If signed by Governor Bob Ferguson by April fourth, these luxury EV makers can open showrooms and bypass traditional dealers. The bill came from closed-door talks between Rivian, Lucid, and the state auto dealers group, who had previously opposed direct sales. Supporters argue it provides more choices and test drives for buyers, while critics claim its unfair special treatment that undermines the dealer system. The rules are strict, only allowing U.S. firms making pure battery electrics to qualify, with requirements for vehicle registrations, local service centers, and dealer licenses. The bill also increases the new vehicle title fee to fund rebates for low-income families buying used EVs and projects for buses, bikes, and pedestrians. Automaker groups are pushing for a veto, warning it could open doors for more direct sellers in the future.

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