Here is What The Rivian R2 Launch Version Will Be Like

• The Rivian R2’s Launch Version will not be its most-expensive trim stage, CEO RJ Scaringe stated on an earnings name tonight.
• It will likely be a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant, he stated.
• “Within the early a part of subsequent 12 months, we will have an R2 occasion the place we’ll undergo the complete portfolio of R2 merchandise,” Scaringe stated.

Subsequent 12 months is a pivotal one for Rivian. The electrical-vehicle startup has seen robust essential success with its R1S and R1T, however long-term viability relies on its extra inexpensive R2 being an enormous hit with a wider viewers, similar to the Tesla Mannequin Y as soon as was. Possibly 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 supplied 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’ve a launch version for the R2,” Scaringe stated. “And it is a basic problem, as a result of there’s 1000’s and 1000’s of people who find themselves excited for R2. Some will need essentially the most base model, the lowest-price model. Others are going to need the highest-end model.”

34

The objective for the Launch Version R2, he stated, shall be to hit the candy spot. “I will say that it is a dual-motor variant, and it is well-appointed, nevertheless 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 essentially the most glad.”

Many EVs have launched of their costliest configurations. When the Tesla Cybertruck launched, its inaugural Basis Sequence mannequin was about $100,000; cheaper variants adopted rapidly. The identical has been true extra just lately with the Lucid Gravity Grand Touringwhich runs about $122,000 with choices. If Rivian could make its first R2 moderately inexpensive, it may certainly be groundbreaking.

Because the R2 ramps up, Scaringe stated, extra variants will observe—presumably on the larger and lower-end of the spectrum. He added that in early 2026, Rivian will host an R2-specific occasion the place it is going to announce extra costs, official specs and trim ranges.

Maybe the R2’s most necessary element is its price ticket: $45,000, with none incentives. And Scaringe has repeatedly stated the carmaker is holding to that worth. It’s miles beneath the $70,000-ish beginning costs for the R1S and R1T—though many promote for near $100,000 or extra—and that shall be essential in making it a mainstream SUV that may be purchased by way more individuals than earlier than.

Past that, few official specs are recognized. We do know that the R2 shall be accessible in Single-, Twin- and Tri-motor variations. The only-motor SUVs shall be rear-wheel drive, whereas the opposite two configurations shall be all-wheel drive. No less than two battery sizes shall be accessible, and over 300 miles of EPA-rated vary is predicted.

Contact the creator: patrick.george@insideevs.com