'ASPIRATIONAL BUT ATTAINABLE' RIVIAN EVS CONFIRMED FOR UK

American firm created the Model Y-rivalling R2 SUV with Europe in mind

- MARK TISSHAW

Rivian is planning a UK launch as part of an expansion into Europe and will offer its upcoming R2 SUV in right-hand drive.

To date, the US firm has operated only in North America with two electric models: the near-£60,000 R1S SUV and the related R1T pickup truck.

But last year it revealed the smaller (4.7m-long) and more affordable R2, which was developed with European exports in mind.

Speaking to Autocar at the recent Munich motor show, Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said the R2 would arrive in the first half of 2026 in North America, priced from around $45,000 (£33,000), and a European launch would follow.

Rivian plans to bring the R2 to the UK once left-hand-drive models are in mainland Europe, but there is no UK launch date yet.

The R2 is a Tesla Model Y rival with more than 300 miles of range and standard single-motor rear-wheel drive or optional dual-motor four-wheel drive.