We hear of new start-ups all the time, but Rivian, which will launch its first two models at this week’s Los Angeles motor show, is one to take notice of.

It’s actually been around since 2009, when Tesla was still making Roadsters, and it could have gone public with its plans then. But here we are in 2018, and we’d still be waiting for anything tangible to emerge.

That instantly bucks the trend of start-ups, many of which are the very embodiment of the phrase 'over-promise and under-deliver'. Faraday Future, anyone?

Instead, Rivian has waited until it has something – or, rather, some things – to show, and it has seemingly thought of everything in the creation of the R1S and R1T.

The two models are desirable, contemporary offerings and truly something new; no-one is making electric off-road vehicles with Tesla-style cool at this moment.

The people behind Rivian are of great credibility, too, including engineering director Mark Vinnels, who joined from a similar role at McLaren.

The design of the models is pleasing, the branding is quality and the technology and its application are most impressive of all.

So, what’s the catch? Well, no start-up has it easy, yet at present Rivian’s approach has been the steadiest of walks, and it's only now breaking into a light jog.

We shall watch its progress with interest.

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