Tesla challenger closer to Oz

A new all-electric SUV is edging closer to Australia.

North American brand Rivian has announced its R2 SUV will be available in right-hand drive for UK buyers. 

Rivian had previously only been available for American buyers in left-hand drive, but the manufacture of right-hand drive variants could open up opportunities for Aussie purchase.

The R2 is said to be priced at around £33,000 in the UK (about $67,000), sitting as a competitor to Tesla’s Model Y, which is the best selling EV in Australia.

Tesla sold 13,310 Model Ys through the first eight months of this year, which is down about 12 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Rivian’s R2 will come in three variants, including rear-wheel drive, dual-motor all-wheel drive and tri-motor all-wheel drive. 

It has a claimed driving range in excess of 550km and a 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds. 

Rivian’s lineup has proved popular, especially its R1T long-range electric ute that boasts a similarly swift 3.1 second sprint from 0-100km/h.

It also produces a large SUV in the R1S that has a claimed range of more than 600km. 

Rivian announced a joint venture with Volkswagen in November 2024, which is helping to get its foot in the door of the European market.

The brand is targeting increased production numbers with this move to make it profitable, which mass-manufacturer Volkswagen can help deliver. 

“Our goal is to build many millions of units a year,” Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe told Autocar UK.

“We’ve often said we’d like to eventually grow in the markets we’re in to at least 10% market share.”

Autocar UK revealed the all-electric R2 will hit the US market sometime in the first half of 2026, with a European launch set to follow before a right-hand drive variant is available.