EV maker Rivian plans to roll out its second product line, the R2, on March 7. However, to whet the appetites of the company’s aficionados and others who are interested in a smaller, less expensive electric SUV, it offered a short teaser video of what’s coming.
Rivian’s going to reveal its next product line, the R2, on March 7 at 1 p.m. EST.
The next offering from Rivian arrives early next month, but what will we get? Who knows, but after a view of the video clip, it’s not going to look any different up front. The only view of it is while it’s sitting in a garage, in the dark, with its lights on as an adult and a child walk in front of it.
So if you want something that is distinctly “Rivian,” good news! If you don’t really care for the front fascia of the R1 models, well … sorry. Better luck next time.
Need to know
The livestream revealing the Rivian is March 7 at 1 p.m. EST. If you like what you see during the event, you can make a reservation for $100 — and it’s refundable. How to do that will be made clear during the event so be prepared to have your laptop or phone handy.
Now, will watching the event get you all of the important info about the new vehicles? Probably not, but it should offer up the big info like how much will it cost? How far will it drive on a charge? And, of course, when the company expects production to begin.
More Rivian stories
- Rivian Poaches Top Apple Exec, Other Talent, Despite Ongoing Problems
- Rivian Opens Lease Option
- EV Startups Face Mounting Challenges
What we think
CEO RJ Scaringe says the new R2 will be like the Tesla Model 3 in terms of its impact.
Officials have already said the R2 will be smaller than its older siblings, the R1T and R1S. They’ve suggested the pricing could be as low as $40,000, but you’re likely not going to see that iteration become available for some time. The first of the new models coming off the line will likely come in around $55,000 to $60,000, not including any potential federal and state tax credits the vehicle and the buyer may be eligible for.
The patent images reveal a smaller electric SUV (than the R1S) with slimmer headlights, reports Electrek.com. Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe previously said the R2 “captures the essence of the brand” only smaller and less expensive.
He also believes the R2 will be Rivian’s version of the Tesla Model 3. Not in terms of design, but in terms of its role, being more affordable and accessible, it will be similar.
It’s expected to be a midsize SUV but no word if a truck variant will be coming as well. It will be built at Rivian’s second manufacturing plant opening in Georgia.
The new Rivian R2 is expected to qualify for the full $7,500 EV tax credit, which could lower the starting price to around $32,500 or even less with other incentives.
Given that Tesla, General Motors, Ford and others are hard at work at a sub-$30K EV, Rivian’s honeymoon with the R2 is going to be short-lived.
0 Comments