Electric vehicle maker Rivian said on Wednesday it plans to open a new artificial intelligence and autonomous driving research hub in London, marking its first facility in the UK.
The California-based company said the office will focus on advancing its autonomy and AI capabilities, which underpin features such as its hands-free highway driving system.
Rivian described the UK as “rapidly becoming a world leader in artificial intelligence engineering talent,” and said the London team would help accelerate its product roadmap.
“We’re incredibly excited about opening our AI hub in London and attracting leading talent,” said James Philbin, Rivian’s Vice President of Autonomy and AI.
“The work the team will do in the UK will accelerate our plans and ensure our vehicles remain among the most technologically advanced and appealing on the road,” he added.
The EV maker plans to host an AI and Autonomy Day later this year to provide further updates on its technology roadmap.
The R&D center won’t be the first one in Europe.
In December 2022, the company opened a research and development centre in Belgrade, Serbia.
The facility, operated by its subsidiary Rivian SE Europe, focuses on vehicle software, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and enterprise technologies.
Last March, Serbia’s economy ministry pledged €3.5 million in subsidies to support the R&D centre, while Rivian committed to invest at least €6.6 million and employ a minimum of 370 people by the end of 2024.
The UK office will add to Rivian’s expanding network of R&D hubs. Later this year, the company plans to open a new facility in Milpitas, California, combining production, research and development, and other functions.
The Rivian Autonomy Platform, currently available in second-generation vehicles, offers hands-free, eyes-on driving for highway conditions.
Rivian sold 10,599 vehicles in the U.S. during the second quarter of 2025, including 7,898 R1 vehicles and 2,701 commercial electric vans, according to Cox Automotive.
Combined sales of the R1T and R1S fell 31% year-on-year in the company’s home market, with both models posting double-digit declines.
Rivian recently unveiled the prices for the 2026 iterations of its two R1 models. The 2026 R1S Dual-Motor Standard variant will start at $76,990, while the 2026 R1T pickup begins at $70,990.
Last week, the company launched the second-generation quad-motor R1S and R1T.
R1T pricing for the Gen 2 Quad begins at $115,990 in the US and C$190,990 in Canada, while the R1S starts at $121,990 (C$201,990). Deliveries of the Launch Edition set to begin later this month.
Cox Automotive also disclosed that Rivian registered 2,701 commercial electric vans in the second quarter, up 22.4% from a year ago, and a total of 4,170 between January and June.
