Reviving Wrecked Rivians: A Guide to Transforming Totalled Electric Vehicles in Ukraine

The Mysterious Case of Rivian Wreckages in Ukraine

As the world grapples with the aftermath of war, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged in Ukraine – wrecked Rivian vehicles are mysteriously coming back to life. Owners in North America are left scratching their heads, wondering where their former cars have vanished to. The answer lies in a surprising pipeline of damaged EVs being shipped from the United States and Canada to Ukraine.

The Rise of Salvage EVs

In November 2023, Wired reported that it has become commonplace for crashed EVs to be exported from the United States and Canada. Insurers often write off these vehicles due to their complexity, high repair costs, and liability concerns. Salvage yards don’t want them either, as demand for parts is low and battery repairs are challenging and dangerous.

Ukraine’s Unlikely Fixers

In Ukraine, skilled laborers are more than willing to take on the task of repairing these damaged EVs. They import parts from China or the West, or combine working components from two damaged cars – a practice known as a "cut-and-shut." While this approach can be risky, it’s a viable option for Ukrainians who want to stay ahead of the game in a region where gas prices have skyrocketed.

A New Reality

In Ukraine, imported used EVs are now the economical option for many drivers. Reduced taxes on imported EVs, combined with high charger availability and escalated gas prices, have flipped the dynamic in Western countries. Sometimes, EVs too far gone are still worth bringing in due to their batteries alone – they can be broken down to power smaller vehicles or even drones to contribute to the war effort.

Rivians: A Luxury Option

Rivians, however, might be a little too fancy to meet the fate of being cut and shut. They’re unlikely candidates for front-line service due to their cost. Meanwhile, the Tesla Cybertruck seems to be a vehicle that Russia is ready to deploy with a machine gun on its roof – a heck of a way to find out it’s not as bulletproof as Elon Musk says it is.

The Takeaway

As the world grapples with the complexities of war and climate change, it’s intriguing to see how the intersection of technology and human ingenuity can lead to unexpected outcomes. Whether it’s fixing wrecked Rivians or importing salvage EVs, the resilience of Ukrainian drivers is a testament to the power of human resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Sources

• Wired article: "Why Teslas Totaled in the US Are Mysteriously Reincarnated in Ukraine"
• The Drive article: "Tesla Drivers Have the Highest Crash Rate of Any Brand, Study Finds"
• The Drive article: "You Can Buy Toyota AE86 Reproduction Shells on Alibaba for $9,500"

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