Update 12/06/23: There is still no news on the Rivian coming to the UK. We’re eagerly awaiting their arrival, and hear there’s a European plant coming sometime soon. Register for our Rivian mailing list at the bottom of the page to hear about the news as soon as it comes out.
New Rivian EV Coming to the UK: The Rivian R1S
One of the most exciting EV brands is coming to the UK in 2023! It’s one you might not have even heard of… It is ticking some boxes that have kept many of you from making the switch to electric! It’s a new Rivian EV; they’re bringing across the Rivian R1S!
Confession Time
I’m a car guy, an EV buff; I’ve got an IPACE sat on the drive right now. But I also have a 7-seater petrol car to move the family around and I have a very old diesel horsebox for the ponies as well. Only one car on the UK market meets all of my needs currently, the Tesla Model X. Unfortunately, the Model X is pretty poor off-road when compared to a Land Rover. Off-roading may also invalidate its warranty, not to mention how expensive it is…
Against This Backdrop, I Have Been Watching Rivian Very Carefully
Rivian is bringing out 2 models, the R1S and the R1T. The R1S is a 5-to-7-seater in the traditional off-road style, like a Discovery, and the R1T is a pick-up truck; so, both traditional domains of diesel technology! Acceleration is rapid, 0-60mph in just 3-seconds! Range-wise, both share the same batteries, which range from 105kW to 180kW, giving between 240 miles range and 410 miles range. Though, with manufacturers ALL being lying toerags, expect this to top out at 300 miles. We’re expecting these super EVs to cost around £600/month on our salary sacrifice scheme. If you’d like to find out more about the scheme, click here!
Interior
Inside the R1S it’s rather snazzy. You’re treated to vegan leather seats, loads of available space, and lots of ingenious storage options. Information is delivered via 2 big screens. This includes the ability to raise the ride height above that of a Land Rover Discovery! You can set to tow or deploy autonomous modes (if legal) including ‘Guardian’ mode. It’s all quite interesting, if a few years ahead of demand.
A 7-seater that can easily top 300 miles? What’s not to like, this could be the perfect family car! However, it will likely come with a price tag of £75,000, pushing it out of many families’ budget. Through our salary sacrifice scheme, though, it’s likely to be around £600 per month! What a steal!
Towing
Rivian have rated this car for towing at 3,500 kg, although said it will be much more capable than that. The key will be the impact on the battery. Yes, the Model X can tow, but it reduces the range by up to 65%! Time will tell if Rivian suffers the same fate…
Should You Get One?
Well, build quality is reported to be much better than the Tesla Model X. Personally, I much prefer the more traditional Rivian styling. Although the Rivian can charge as quickly as the Tesla, the infrastructure in the UK doesn’t really support that unless you have a Tesla. However, charging infrastructure is improving all the time with plans for charging hubs all across our great nation, just look at Shell!
Pricing looks to be slightly lower for the Rivian. Off-road reviews are very good for the Rivian. I know most of us rarely venture up mountains, but good off-road performance comes in handy when you least expect it.
TL/DR
If you’re on a time crunch, here’s a snippet of what you can expect from the new Rivian EV:
- 3 battery sizes: 105kW, getting you 240 miles range; 135kW, getting you 310 miles range; 180 kW, getting you 410 miles range.
- Traditional SUV-feel and look with EV flexes.
- Close competition to Tesla Model X.
- Towing is rated at 3,500 kg, but you can comfortably expect more.
- Acceleration of 0-60mph in 3 seconds.
- All-Wheel Drive.
- Rated off-road, air suspension.
- Elegant cabin, 2 large screens.
- 5 or 7-seats, roomy third row, decent boot.
- From £50,000 to buy ($67,000 – $70,000 in US dosh), or an estimated £600/month on our scheme!
What do you think about the new Rivian EV? So far, there’s not a lot of information around when the Rivian will be available to buy or lease, or even its official release in the UK. Hopefully, 2023 is the year – and we’re expecting supply dates to be announced soon.
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Tags : 2022, car, electric car, electric vehicles, EV, New EV, Off-road, Pick-up truck, R1S, R1T, rivian, Rivian electric, Rivian Electric vehicle, Rivian EV, rivian r1s, Rivian R1T, Tesla, Towing