- The Rivian R2’s Launch Version will not be its most-expensive trim degree, CEO RJ Scaringe mentioned on an earnings name tonight.
- It is going to be a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant, he mentioned.
- “Within the early a part of subsequent yr, we will have an R2 occasion the place we’ll undergo the total portfolio of R2 merchandise,” Scaringe mentioned.
Subsequent yr is a pivotal one for Rivian. The electrical-vehicle startup has seen sturdy essential success with its R1S and R1T, however long-term viability relies on its extra reasonably priced R2 being an enormous hit with a wider viewers, similar to the Tesla Mannequin Y as soon as was. Perhaps that is why the primary Rivian R2 to debut will not be its costliest configuration.
On tonight’s third-quarter earnings name, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe provided a couple of new particulars in regards to the R2 when it goes on sale in 2026.
“We will restrict the variety of variants that we’re constructing, and so we have now a launch version for the R2,” Scaringe mentioned. “And it is a traditional problem, as a result of there’s hundreds and hundreds of people who find themselves excited for R2. Some will need probably the most base model, the lowest-price model. Others are going to need the highest-end model.”
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The purpose for the Launch Version R2, he mentioned, can be to hit the candy spot. “I will say that it is a dual-motor variant, and it is well-appointed, however it’s not supposed to be our costliest model. It’s supposed to be a really properly set-up automobile, which we predict will take advantage of individuals probably the most completely satisfied.”
Many EVs have launched of their costliest configurations. When the Tesla Cybertruck launched, its inaugural Basis Collection mannequin was about $100,000; cheaper variants adopted rapidly. The identical has been true extra just lately with the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring, which runs about $122,000 with choices. If Rivian could make its first R2 moderately reasonably priced, it might certainly be groundbreaking.
Because the R2 ramps up, Scaringe mentioned, extra variants will comply with—presumably on the greater and lower-end of the spectrum. He added that in early 2026, Rivian will host an R2-specific occasion the place it should announce extra costs, official specs and trim ranges.
Maybe the R2’s most essential element is its price ticket: $45,000, with none incentives. And Scaringe has repeatedly mentioned the carmaker is holding to that worth. It is under the $70,000-ish beginning costs for the R1S and R1T—though many promote for near $100,000 or extra—and that can be essential in making it a mainstream SUV that may be purchased by much more individuals than earlier than.
Past that, few official specs are identified. We do know that the R2 can be out there in Single-, Twin- and Tri-motor variations. The only-motor SUVs can be rear-wheel drive, whereas the opposite two configurations can be all-wheel drive. A minimum of two battery sizes can be out there, and over 300 miles of EPA-rated vary is anticipated.
Contact the writer: patrick.george@insideevs.com
