Rivian explores manufacturing in Europe

The American electric commercial vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive Inc. has conducted initial inquiries for production in Europe, according to a report from the news agency Bloomberg. This could take place in the UK, Hungary, or also in Germany or elsewhere outside the EU, as the agency has learned from well-informed sources. Initially, batches of the 100,000 electrically powered delivery vehicles ordered by Rivian's partner Amazon could be built there, with products for end customers from the Californians to follow later. Rivian is set to start the production of its all-electric pickup truck, which is scheduled to begin in June, followed by an SUV that could go into mass production in August.

Amazon plans to begin emissions-free deliveries with the delivery vehicles developed in close cooperation starting in 2022. These vehicles are also set to roll off the assembly line at the headquarters in Normal, Illinois, starting from the fourth quarter of 2021. Different volume variants and cab versions are to be developed based on Rivian’s flexible and modular electric platform. The range of the e-vans is expected to be up to 241 kilometers. Rivian was founded in 2009 by R.J. Scaringe as a startup and is also supported by Ford with an investment.