Startup automakers, like Lucid and Rivian, often make the point that, as Tesla has shown, electric car shoppers are open to trying new brands. What’s true for startups, though, is also true for big automakers like Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen.Startup automakers, like Lucid and Rivian, often make the point that, as Tesla has shown, electric car shoppers are open to trying new brands. What’s true for startups, though, is also true for big automakers like Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen.