Rivian has unveiled its subsequent electrical automobile, the R2, a extra reasonably priced SUV that the corporate is banking on a much wider enchantment than the glossy and costly R1T vans and R1S SUVs.
The R2 received't go into manufacturing till the primary half of 2026, however when it does, it can include an estimated vary of over 300 miles, a Zero-60 mph time of three seconds and a beginning value of 45,000 USD – placing it calmly. beneath the present common promoting value for a brand new inner combustion automobile. The value could possibly be even decrease if it finally ends up qualifying for the $7,500 federal electrical automobile tax credit score.
Picture: Andrew Hawkins / The Verge
consumers can reserve an R2 beginning at this time for $100, with deliveries anticipated to start within the first half of 2026. Whether or not Rivian can persist with that schedule can be a central problem for the electrical automobile firm. For the R1T truck, for instance, some early clients had been pressured to endure lengthy ready instances earlier than receiving their electrical automobile.
Making an electrical automobile accessible to a wider vary of individuals is essential to Rivian's long-term viability. The corporate's R1T truck begins at $70,000, whereas the R1S SUV begins at $76,000 and might go as much as $88,000. Rivian wants a inexpensive automobile if it desires to efficiently compete with Tesla and different legacy automakers that at the moment dominate the gross sales chart.
Since rising from stealth in 2018, the corporate has positioned itself as a producer of journey autos that are perfect for tenting and off-road excesses. Certain, Rivian's autos are largely used for extra mundane journeys, like journeys to House Depot and soccer follow. However Rivian is aware of that a number of the hottest autos on the street at this time are vans and SUVs that aspire to off-roading and towing.
Lots of the particulars have leaked forward of at this time's launch, akin to specs, the situation of the occasion, and even a blurry picture of the R2 itself. However Rivian nonetheless had so much so as to add through the occasion.
The Rivian R2 will are available single, twin and tri-motor variants. The automobile will include Tesla's NACS port natively built-in into the automobile. Curiously, the charging ports can be on the rear of the automobile, in comparison with the entrance just like the R1T and R1S. That is possible on account of Tesla placing its ports within the again for higher entry to the corporate's Superchargers.
The R2 will function Rivian's new 4695 cylindrical battery cells
The R2 will function Rivian's new 4695 cylindrical battery cells, that are 15mm taller than Tesla's 4680 cells. And the corporate guarantees a extra highly effective pc, complemented by a sensor suite that features 11 cameras and 5 radars. The R2 can have “dramatically improved autonomous capabilities,” although the corporate didn't specify what degree of automation it was aiming for.
It's 185.6 inches lengthy, which is lower than two inches shorter than a Tesla Mannequin Y or about 15 inches shorter than an R1S. Its width is 75 inches, or 84.four inches with the mirrors, and the peak is 66.9 inches. The wheelbase is 115.6 inches lengthy.
There's a considerable furnk (entrance truck) — described by Rivian as “roomy” — that may maintain a carry-on plus a backpack or as much as six reusable grocery luggage. Preserving with its 'journey' ethos, the R2 will even function an ingenious bike mounting system that may simply hook up with the automobile's rear accent ports.
The R2's inside is an enormous change from the R1 vary. Noting that they had been criticized for not together with a glovebox within the R1T and R1S, Scaringe mentioned they “overdelivered” with the R2, which can have two gloveboxes. Each appear to be fairly large, wanting able to take all of the gloves you’ve got.
The steering wheel additionally has a brand new function: two big scroll wheels. The wheels can have dynamic haptic suggestions, however Scaringe says they should be was really appreciated. “It takes our present scroll wheel and actually elevates it to a degree that's exhausting to completely admire except you're sitting within the automobile,” he mentioned.
Rear seats fold down for further area — and the entrance seats additionally fold down. Scaringe mentioned this could be a really perfect setup for anybody interested by sleeping in a single day within the Rivian R2.
The remainder of the inside seems to be streamlined, which is sensible for a bigger automobile. The infotainment system will run on Rivian's personal working system and, just like the Tesla, received't assist Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. And the door nonetheless has a flashlight constructed into the aspect, a function carried over from the R1 autos.
Along with the R2, the corporate additionally introduced the R3, a sportier compact SUV, and its efficiency variant, the R3X. Rivian mentioned the R3 can be even inexpensive than the R2, however didn’t launch the precise value. Bookings for R3 will go stay at a later date.
“These are our future,” Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe mentioned through the occasion. “They characterize what we've constructed … with the R1 merchandise and in positioning Rivian to take this additional and make this extra accessible to extra individuals.”
In unveiling its plans to place its subsequent automobile into manufacturing, Rivian faces an existential check. The corporate reported that it misplaced $1.58 billion within the final three months of 2023, bringing its annual internet losses to $5.four billion. It additionally introduced plans to put off 10 % of its salaried workers, the third such spherical of layoffs up to now two years. It plans to close down its Regular, Illinois plant for a number of weeks to make enhancements to the R1 line. And a brand new $5 billion plant in Georgia will quickly break floor.
R2 can't save Rivian by himself. However it can positively play a significant function in preserving the corporate afloat.