Rivian, Tesla and Polestar: This Week's Top 5 Stories in EV
How is Rivian Investing in AI and Autonomous Driving?
Rivian, the US-based automotive manufacturer, is expanding its AI and autonomous driving ambitions into the UK by establishing an AI hub in London to tap into local engineering talent.
The company’s Rivian Autonomy Platform (RAP), already standard in its second-generation vehicles, offers advanced features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Assist, Lane Change Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking, powered by 11 cameras, five radars and dual Nvidia processors.
With over-the-air updates and powerful onboard computing, Rivian plans to advance RAP to hands-free capability in 2025 and “eyes-off” autonomy by 2026.
Data from connected vehicles will also feed into a Large Driving Model designed to enhance safety, adaptability and performance in complex road scenarios.
According to James Philbin, Vice President of Autonomy & AI, the UK hub will accelerate innovation and keep Rivian’s vehicles at the forefront of automotive technology.
General Motors (GM) has set a new benchmark for electric vehicle range after its 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Range Work Truck achieved 1,059.2 miles on a single charge, surpassing the previous record of 749 miles held by Lucid.
The test, carried out on public roads at GM’s Milford Proving Ground, used no hardware or software modifications, with engineers instead optimising driving behaviour, vehicle settings and aerodynamics to maximise efficiency.
Insights from the trial showed the Silverado EV operates most efficiently at 20–25 mph, a finding that could influence future software updates and driver guidance tools.
GM’s achievement not only demonstrates how far its EV technology has advanced but also addresses range anxiety, positioning the Silverado EV as a leader in electric truck performance.
US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff round has introduced fresh cost pressures on EV supply chains, targeting critical sectors such as semiconductors, precision machinery and specialist industrial goods.
The measures, which took effect on 8 August, include a 39% tariff on Swiss exports, sparking backlash in Bern, where officials argue the calculation behind the levy is outdated.
For EV production, the impact is significant, as semiconductor imports face potential 100% duties, threatening sourcing strategies for battery systems, controllers and sensors.
While Switzerland has ruled out retaliatory tariffs, officials are working to support affected industries, including EV suppliers, amid heightened uncertainty.
With further tariff increases on Chinese goods expected, these changes add complexity to global EV manufacturing costs and highlight growing trade tensions between Washington and its partners.
Tesla has applied for a licence to supply energy in the UK, submitting a request to Ofgem that could see it enter the domestic market as early as next year.
The move, led by Andrew Payne, Head of Tesla’s European energy operations, would allow the company to compete with established providers by offering electricity to homes and businesses.
Tesla already has a strong UK presence with more than 250,000 EVs sold and tens of thousands of Powerwall home batteries installed, giving it a ready-made customer base.
If approved, the company may replicate its US model, where Tesla Electric offers lower charging rates and grid storage services, bundling energy supply with EV charging and home energy solutions.
The strategy comes as Tesla faces falling car sales in Europe, suggesting energy could provide a new growth avenue despite potential complications arising from Elon Musk’s controversial political profile.
Polestar’s long range single motor Polestar 3 has set a Guinness World Record by travelling 935.44 km (581.3 miles) on a single battery charge across UK public roads in an unmodified production vehicle.
The endurance drive, completed in just under 23 hours by a team of professional efficiency drivers, surpassed the SUV’s official WLTP range of 706 km while still retaining 20% battery capacity.
CEO Michael Lohscheller said the achievement highlights Polestar 3’s ability to push boundaries in electric performance, while Polestar UK Managing Director Matt Galvin noted it reflects the rapid progress of EV battery range in recent years.
The milestone ties into Polestar’s wider sustainability mission, including its Polestar 0 Project, which aims to deliver a fully climate neutral car by 2030.
With recyclable materials, circular design principles and transparent life cycle assessments, Polestar continues to align record-breaking performance with its long-term environmental goals.
