Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe is picking up a major accolade just as his company prepares for its most important launch to date. Top Gear magazine has officially named Scaringe the "EV Influencer of the Year" as part of its 2026 EV Awards, highlighting his role in shifting the electric vehicle landscape.
According to a recent Rivian blog post, the award recognizes Scaringe’s visionary leadership during the buildup to the R2 midsize SUV. The recognition follows a pre-production media drive event held in February, where journalists got their first real taste of the dual-motor AWD “Performance” variant that will soon hit the streets.
In response to the win, Scaringe shared his excitement for the team’s progress:
It’s incredible to be recognized by Top Gear at such a pivotal moment in the R2 launch journey. This award is a testament to the entire Rivian team for their passion and their relentless focus on bringing this vehicle to life. I couldn't be more excited to introduce the Rivian brand to a broader audience and to see R2 in customer hands soon.
Building the Hype for R2
The timing of this award couldn't be better. Rivian is currently betting its entire future on the R2, which is designed to be the high-volume, mass-market hit that finally carries the company to profitability.
To keep the momentum going, Rivian is taking the SUV on a cross-country viewing tour, giving reservation holders and fans a chance to see the vehicle in the "wild" before deliveries begin. It’s a smart move that builds a personal connection with buyers, something Scaringe has been very intentional about since starting the brand.
The R2 Launch Roadmap
If you’re looking to get behind the wheel, Rivian has a very specific rollout timeline planned. The first units off the line later this spring will be the $57,990 R2 Performance, with initial orders also including a special Launch Package.
Following the flagship's release, Rivian will fill out the rest of the R2 lineup over the next couple of years:
R2 Premium: Arriving in late 2026.
R2 Standard Long Range: Slated for early 2027.
R2 Standard: The most anticipated $45,000 base model, expected in late 2027.
While we don't know every detail about the base trim yet, the Performance model has already set a high bar with a 3.6-second 0–60 mph time and the clever "Drop Glass" rear window. With the R2 set to become a common sight on North American roads, Scaringe’s "influencer" status is likely only going to grow. It’s an exciting chapter for the brand, and we’re looking forward to seeing if the production units live up to the high praise Top Gear has already given the prototypes.
