Rivian claims a 10-to-80 per cent charge takes 29 minutes – but the above rivals can now do it faster. If it takes another 18 to 24 months for the car to reach Europe, it will fall further behind the charging curve, which means it will have to rely heavily on its design and features to win over buyers. But maybe that’s why you build a car with so much character?

The R2 is interesting for European buyers for a second reason: Volkswagen recently invested around $6 billion (£4.47bn) in Rivian, forming a software joint venture. Because VW's own Cariad division has struggled to get its vehicle operating system running smoothly, the German giant is now backing Rivian’s zonal architecture. This joint venture will develop VW-specific software, set to debut in Europe in the ID. up! from 2027, beating the R2 to market.

If it ends up being even half as good as the system in the R2, VW customers are in for a treat. Not only are the graphics significantly sharper and faster than in any current ID. model, the cameras can display any desired exterior angle while on the move, backed by blisteringly fast over-the-air updates. 

Rivian also offers an advanced driver-assist system called Autonomy+, making VW’s Travel Assist feel about as innovative as a paper road atlas next to full-screen Google Maps. The R2 already handles long motorway stints virtually hands-free, and a future software update promises 'point-to-point' navigation right into the depths of city centres.

But the R2 doesn't just score points for its digital wizardry; it also features clever, physical details akin to Skoda’s lauded ‘Simply Clever’ easter eggs. The carabiner-style key is a brilliant party trick, and the rechargeable torch hidden in the door is arguably much more practical than the umbrellas you get in a Rolls-Royce. 

And when you press a single button to drop not just four, but all five windows – instantly making the R2 feel like a Ford Bronco without the folding roof – you quickly realise that this car is bringing a much-needed breath of fresh air to an overcrowded segment.