Rivian electric ute spotted again in Australia, as right-hand drive one step closer

Image: Reddit

Another Rivian has been spotted on Australian roads this week, amid reports out of the UK that right-hand drive is locked in for the US electric-car brand's future vehicles.

The left-hand-drive R1T ute spotted in Melbourne by a user of the r/CarsAustralia page on Reddit is seen wearing Victorian registration, and a 'Left Hand Drive Engineering Evaluation Vehicle' sticker across its tailgate.

The notice is used to inform other road users of the position of the steering wheel, and that it has been registered for testing by a manufacturer or third-party supplier, so it cannot be sold to the public.

The same ute was seen in September last year with the same label, but photographed in a right-turn lane, with its right indicator flashing amber-yellow – in line with Australian standards, rather than the red blinkers fitted to most US models.

Rivian has long expressed interest in an Australian launch, but it has not formally announced plans to enter the market, with right-hand-drive vehicles available the public.

WA-based mining company MEVCO imports and retrofits the cars for sale to mining fleets, but as they are still left-hand drive, they cannot be sold to the general public.

In recent weeks, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has confirmed to UK publication Autocar that right-hand drive is planned for the company's next model, the smaller R2, with an eye on UK sales.

It has led to suggestions an Australian launch could follow. Drive has contacted Rivian in the US for comment.

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Ilana is a Melbourne-based journalist who was previously a copywriter in the Big Apple. Having moved to Melbourne for her Master of Journalism, she has written articles about food, farm machinery, fashion, and now the fast and furious. Her dream car has been a Mini Cooper since the fifth grade, eyeing its style and petite size.

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