How the Elon Musk-Tesla backlash is opening doors for EV startups like Rivian

Dan Kurland strolled out of the Rivian entertainment center in Laguna Beach, wearing a baseball cap with “Canada is not for sale” just above the bill.

The Aliso Viejo resident and his wife, Sue, were kicking tires on a recent Saturday, looking to replace each of their Prius models. On this day, the couple was considering the R1S SUV built by Rivian, the electric-vehicle startup based in Irvine.

RELATED: Electric vehicle manufacturer to open new Milpitas facility

When asked if Elon Musk’s Teslas were under consideration...