Rivian is at the moment rising manufacturing and deliveries of the R1S and R1T fashions, in addition to Amazon’s EDV. Along with these fashions, they’re actively creating their subsequent manufacturing car, the smaller R2 electrical SUV. Now we study that the R2 is deliberate to be unveiled for the primary time in early 2024 and is slated for launch in 2026. The corporate has set a goal worth vary of $40,000 to $60,000 for the R2, aiming to supply shoppers a extra accessible choice within the electrical SUV market.
In the course of the Deutsche Financial institution’s International Auto Trade Convention Name on June 15, Claire McDonough, Rivian’s Chief Monetary Officer, supplied extra insights concerning the upcoming mannequin. In accordance with McDonough, the R2 is aimed toward capturing a big share of the “broader midsized SUV market“.
This positioning signifies a focused worth vary of $40,000 to $60,000. “That additionally creates a pleasant stretch for the model. R1 has a mean promoting worth of $73,000, so this lives proper under that,” she stated. It’s value noting that opponents just like the Tesla Mannequin Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E begin at round $47,000.
Extra: What We Know About The 2026 Rivian R2 Electrical SUV and truck
In a latest go to to Rivian’s design studio, the high-ranking official had the chance to look at the clay fashions of the R2 firsthand. McDonough stated that they’re “extremely excited concerning the differentiation of the merchandise“, revealing that the R2 “nonetheless maintains a number of the “journey aesthetic” discovered within the R1, however with a higher concentrate on affordability. Official movies have teased lined clay prototypes of the R2, showcasing a boxy silhouette, ample floor clearance, and a noticeably smaller footprint in comparison with the R1S mannequin.
As identified by CarBuzz, McDonough additional emphasised that the R2 strongly aligns with the model and ethos established by the R1, significantly concerning its on-road and off-road efficiency capabilities. Moreover, she highlighted the importance of expertise on this section, together with the consumer interface and expertise. Rivian acknowledges that on the focused lower cost ranges, premium interiors might not be as possible. In consequence, they’re putting an ideal emphasis on delivering an distinctive technology-driven expertise for R2 homeowners.
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“Within the premium finish of the house, you possibly can make the most of premium interiors to create an expertise for a buyer,” stated McDonough. “Whenever you get down to those lower cost ranges, it’s actually how you consider the model positioning, the UI/UX expertise for the shopper, and the way you consider the leverage and alternatives that we’ve got with all of those cross-platform investments.”
Extra: Rivian Will Begin Utilizing Tesla Charging Plug In 2025
Rivian says it can apply the teachings discovered from R1 manufacturing course of into the event of the R2. As a part of this course of, the corporate is engaged in negotiations with suppliers to safe decrease materials prices by leveraging the elevated manufacturing quantity. Concurrently, Rivian goals to reinforce the interaction and collaboration between their manufacturing, engineering, operations, and product improvement groups. By optimizing these interactions, Rivian needs to streamline processes and drive additional enhancements within the manufacturing and improvement of the smaller and extra mainstream R2.
You possibly can view the entire transcript of McDonough’s interview from Seekingalpha right here. Whereas we watch for extra revealing teasers or precise prototypes of the Rivian R2, you possibly can discover our gallery under to see our AI-generated renderings that supply an imaginative depiction of the upcoming mannequin.