The electric vehicle market is growing, with about 10.2 million sales in FY 2022, and an expected 17 Million units this year. Subsequently, Rivian is emerging as a formidable rival to Tesla. The company is poised to make a significant impact with the upcoming release of its new vehicle, the Rivian R2. Initially set for release in 2025, the company announced last year that the release date of the R2 has been pushed back to 2026. Despite the delay, Rivian is making significant strides in the EV market. In the first quarter of 2023, the company delivered nearly 8000 units. Further, according to its CFO, Claire Rauh McDonough, the company is expected to become profitable by the second quarter of 2024.
The R2 is set to unlock the global market for Rivian EVs with its impressive features. For instance, the new R2S will probably use a dual electric motor setup, with lower output variants delivering 600hp. For larger models, Rivian may keep the R1’s Quad-Motor setup, which produces an impressive 835 horsepower and 908lb-ft (1,320Nm) of torque, allowing for a 0 to 60mph (0 to 96 km/h) in 3 seconds flat. The R2s will also feature smaller capacity 800V batteries that will still provide competitive range figures for the smaller and lighter vehicles.
Quick Facts
- Original price
- $40,000
- Units Sold
- N/A
Check out our detailed expert review of the Rivian R2 below to learn everything we know about the EV.
3 Facts About the R2
- We expect the Rivian R2 to have a lower price point than the R1T and R1S, with an expected starting price of $40,000.
- The R2 platform will comprise several models, including the R1S, R1T, and the Amazon Electric delivery van.
- We expect the R2 to be smaller than the R1S and R1T models, making it more compact and maneuverable.
- We expect the R2S to have a coupe-style roofline shape
Rivian R2 Specs
| Specifications/Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Models | R2S, R2X, R2T, R2A, R2R, R2C |
| Expected Production Start Date | 2026 at the earliest |
| Expected Production Location | Georgia |
| Expected Annual Production Capacity | 200,000 units, eventually doubling to 400,000 units |
| Design | We expect the Rivian R2 to have a design incorporating carbon fiber sleeves, resulting in a lighter-weight vehicle. Additionally, we expect it to be smaller than the R1T and R1S models. The platform will combine features from other Rivian models, resulting in a unique design for the R2. Expected coupe-style roofline shape for R2S. |
| Cost-cutting Measures | Rivian plans to reduce the costs of its R2 electric vehicle by using cheaper Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, simplifying its design by eliminating certain features. |
| Global Sales Potential | Rivian mid-size & large SUVs (like R1S) may help make the brand more accessible in the US. Smaller SUVs like the R2 could be relevant globally. |
| Powertrain | Expected horsepower and torque not specified |
| Price | Scheduled to start at around USD 40,000, lower than the R1 series |
The Future of the Rivian R2: What to Know?
The Rivian R2, the talk of the town since June 2022, has been a topic of immense interest among car enthusiasts. Initially set to launch in 2025, Rivian had set its eyes on a global market opportunity. However, they later pushed the release date for the R2 to 2026. With $13.8 billion in its pocket to carry out its plans until 2025, Rivian is all set to produce 200,000 R2 vehicles throughout 2026, and double that number in the following year.
©Miro Vrlik Photography/Shutterstock.com
The R2 platform is expected to unlock new price points and form factors to cater to different market segments. While the R1S and R1T have a quad-motor setup, Scaringe confirmed that the R2 wouldn’t have that feature. Instead, the R2 lineup will have dual- and tri-motor drivetrain configurations, offering a fresh experience for Rivian enthusiasts. Rivian plans to manufacture the R2 at its new $5 billion plant in Georgia, where it will widely adopt lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology to ease supply chain constraints. Certainly, this shift to LFP batteries will help decrease the price of Rivian vehicles, making them more affordable for the masses.
As Rivian expands its portfolio globally, the R2 platform’s critical role is undeniable. Though the company has not revealed much about the R2’s shape and size, it will undoubtedly pave the way for Rivian’s long-term success. In addition, with R2’s dual- and tri-motor drivetrain configurations, the R2 will cater to a broader market segment. Thus, this will make it an excellent addition to the existing Rivian lineup. Further, Rivian’s ambitious plans of producing 200,000 R2 vehicles in 2026, and twice that in 2027, show its commitment to establishing itself as a global EV leader.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Tada Images/Shutterstock.com.
