Tesla who?
While Tesla certainly accelerated the world’s transition to electric vehicles, both established and new automotive brands are currently fighting for their piece of the EV market share.
Hot on the heels of the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV, which is expected to reach a store near you in 2023, comes EV automaker Rivian, a brand which focuses on ‘upscale electric and SUVs with an emphasis on outdoor adventure’, which is right up the alley for UAE drivers who love making the most of the famous RAK highways and the perfect winter camping conditions.
Founded in 2009, the first electronic adventure vehicle’s brand stock value jumped by 28% in one month, thanks in large part to a $700 million investment by Amazon in 2019 and a $500 million investment from Ford in the same year. Amazon has since said it would purchase 10,000 EVs from Rivian. The result is both EV drivers and share holders are watching the brand’s journey in anticipation. Dubbed, ‘one of the most ambitious electric-vehicle startups’ by the Wall Street Journal, Rivian wants to change how people buy cars and trucks.
Rivian launched its first vehicle, the R1T electric truck, at the end of 2021 and its SUV will ship later this year. The current models, the R1T and R1S , will set you back approximately AED268,000 ($73,000) and AED286,500 ($78,000), respectively.
‘Whether it’s taking families on new adventures or helping fleets electrify at scale, our vehicles all share a common goal — preserving the natural world for generations to come.’
Among a sea of new EV companies, Rivian continues to look promising thanks to its key investors and game-changing design. Currently only available in the US and Canada, Rivian is looking further afield, and the company has already confirmed it will deliver both models in Europe in 2022.
Middle East dates are still TBC – Stay tuned for updates!
