Washington state may soon allow direct Lucid sales

[DeaneG]

Washington state may soon allow direct Lucid sales (and Rivian)

https://www.geekwire.com/2025/tesla-could-lose-its-big-ev-sales-advantage-in-washington-state-if-lawmakers-pass-new-rules/

 

[Unmutual]

About time. I'm writing my legislators to confirm their support.

 

[wa_lucid]

About time indeed!

 

[Unmutual]

Had an email today from my state senator responding to my request that he support the bill: it's dead. Didn't even get considered at the committee level. I'm frankly surprised that WA will allow Tesla to continue its monopoly on direct sales, but apparently the retail auto dealers money speaks volumes and it seems unlikely that direct sales for non-Tesla vehicles will ever be permitted in WA.

 

[chazglenn3]

That sucks. Glad I was able to buy my Polestar 2 in WA...

 

[chazglenn3]

The law has passed. Lucid and Rivian will be allowed to sell in Washington state.

 

[Unmutual]

Yes, new bill introduced this legislative session passed, thanks to Rivian's threat to undermine the franchise system entirely. Apparently that threat was the only way to get the legislature (and presumably the new car dealers lobby) to find a way forward. https://electrek.co/2026/03/18/washington-rivian-lucid-direct-ev-sales-tesla-loophole/

Oh. The bill still hasn't been signed by the Governor. Guess I have to write him now. https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=6354&Year=2026

 

[socktucker]

Had an email today from my state senator responding to my request that he support the bill: it's dead. Didn't even get considered at the committee level. I'm frankly surprised that WA will allow Tesla to continue its monopoly on direct sales, but apparently the retail auto dealers money speaks volumes and it seems unlikely that direct sales for non-Tesla vehicles will ever be permitted in WA.

That is because the head of Washington’s Consumer Protection departments is the wife of the guy who’s family owns major dealerships franchises in Washington.

My understanding is Tesla kinda just slid by without them noticing and then ate their lunch with direct to consumer sales.

 

[Unmutual]

Governor signed the bill; new law takes effect on June 11.