Constructing on the well-received R1s, Rivian is making ready a pair of smaller and cheaper R2S SUV and R2T Pickup fashions
by Thanos Pappas
1 hour in the past
by Thanos Pappas
This story contains speculative renderings from Carscoops which might be neither associated nor endorsed to by Rivian.
Rivian Automotive is working to established itself as a significant participant within the EV market with its R1T pickup and R1S SUV, each of which have been well-received by critics and customers alike, in addition to the lovable Electrical Supply Van (EDV) that’s being constructed for Amazon in three sizes.
Nevertheless, the revolutionary EV firm that was based in California again in 2009 isn’t resting on its laurels and has set its sights on the longer term with a smaller R2 platform that can type the bottom for a brand new, and critically, extra inexpensive lineup of automobiles.
These embrace a smaller SUV and pickup truck, doubtless named the R2S and R2T respectively, which have been initially deliberate to be launched in 2025 however have since been delayed for no less than one other 12 months in order that its future plant in Georgia could be prepared, whereas additionally giving the corporate time to concentrate on streamlining the manufacturing of the present R1T and R1S. Nevertheless, this resolution hasn’t affected the continuing improvement of the smaller and cheaper Rivians.
Learn: Rivian’s Twin-Motor System Solely A Few Months Away From Manufacturing
Rivian’s upcoming R2 platform was talked about in a letter to shareholders final June. The corporate didn’t embrace many particulars concerning the new underpinnings however mentioned it’s destined for smaller and extra inexpensive fashions, in each SUV and pickup bodystyles. These will slot below the bigger and costlier R1T pickup and R1S SUV within the model’s lineup, permitting the corporate to go mainstream and goal a broader swath of the market, each when it comes to demographics and geographically.
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We haven’t seen any prototypes on the street but, so it’s too early to inform what the brand new R2s will appear like. Nevertheless, with our enter and the assistance of AI, we tried to examine a number of design paths that the SUV and pickup truck mannequin may observe, specializing in a younger tackle the R1’s aesthetics. We tried each a extra conventional and a extra sporty, coupe-crossover-ish method for the R2.
When it comes to powertrains, the brand new R2s will most likely use a twin electrical motor setup, which within the case of the R1 delivers 600 hp, almost certainly in numerous (decrease) output variants. Rivian would possibly select to maintain the R1’s Quad-Motor setup producing 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft (1,320Nm) of torque that enables for a 0-60mph (0-96 km/h) in 3 seconds flat solely for the bigger fashions. In any case, these can be mixed with smaller capability 800V batteries that can nonetheless enable aggressive vary figures for the smaller and lighter automobiles.
The Rivian R2 household can be produced in a brand new $5 billion manufacturing facility in Georgia, US. The plant is scheduled to open in 2024, beginning with the manufacturing of one other mannequin previous to the debut of the brand new platform. Thoughts you, apart from the present R1T, R1S, Amazon supply vans, and the upcoming R2 fashions, Rivian can also be rumored to work on a rugged SUV set to rival the Jeep Wrangler.
Availability
The market launch of the Rivian R2 within the US is anticipated in 2026, whereas the fashions may be provided in Europe in addition to different world markets, because of their extra appropriate footprint in comparison with the American (full) sized R1S and R1T. In a letter to shareholders final November asserting the one-year delay for the launch of the brand new fashions, Rivian mentioned: “We anticipate the R2 platform will unlock a world market alternative for Rivian and are excited concerning the early improvement work that’s underway”.
It’s potential we’ll begin seeing early improvement prototypes in 2024 or 2025, giving us a greater concept of the mannequin’s styling and proportions. Till then, try out speculative renderings within the galleries.