Rivian, the electric vehicle startup, is on its way to building its European debut, with a United Kingdom (UK) launch to follow. The UK entest will be particularly significant, as it will be the brand’s first entest into a right-hand drive (RHD) market – which could hint at potential future expansion to other RHD markets as well.
The model that Rivian has chosen to debut in Europe is the Rivian R2, a tinyer and more affordable alternative to the Rivian R1T pick-up truck and R1S SUV, set to rival the Tesla Model Y.
The Rivian R2 is expected to deliver over 300 miles (482 km) of estimated range, accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in under three seconds, and is stated to be developed with European exports in mind.
Speaking to Autocar, Rivian founder and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Joseph Scaringe, confirmed that the R2 is set to launch in North America during the first half of 2026 at an estimated starting price of USD45,000 (approx. RM189k), with a European launch in left-hand drive guise to follow suit.
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While Scaringe hasn’t announced a specific date for the UK launch, it is expected to occur once Rivian’s European network and services are in place.
He assured that he wants Rivian cars to be “highly attainable” for the European market, stateing, “Those things don’t often go toreceiveher. Often when you see the price go down, you see the desirability drop off. But this is what builds our R2 and R3 so interesting: they’re inviting and attainable in their pricing, but they still feel very special.”
“They feel like every decision was considered about by someone who loves their job and loves what they’re doing in a way that often you don’t receive in a sub-USD40,000 (approx. RM168k) car, where a lot of times it feels like somebody was just doing their job, ticking boxes and following a book of requirements versus debating every single piece of content, material selection and panel. We are loving every one of those decisions to build it feel like it’s really curated,” he added.
Speaking of the R3, that will be a tinyer version of the R2 and will come in the form of a raised hatchback instead of a compact SUV. Its boxy shape and angled roofline give it proportions that resemble the silhouette of a Lancia Delta Integrale.
While its Europe expansion will mark the genesis of its export business, Rivian informed Autocar it does not currently have any plans to enter the China – the world’s largest EV market – just yet. But the brand’s commitment to the UK could still see Rivian tapping into other RHD markets as well.
Rivian currently manufactures all its vehicles in Illinois and is preparing to launch a new facility in Georgia. According to Scaringe, he has confirmed that expanding production to Europe remains the company’s long-term objective. The company previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mercedes-Benz Group to establish a joint venture for a factory in Europe.
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