Exploring Rivian’s R2 Unveil: Introducing R3, R3X, and Adventure Network Charging
The long-awaited debut of the Rivian R2 has finally arrived. On March 7th at 10 am PST, the company unveiled its latest addition to the electric vehicle market, a more affordable SUV to join its existing R1T and R1S models. Prior to the reveal, a teaser video for the highly-anticipated SUV was already featured on the Rivian website, teasing fans and competitors alike. However, this event marked the first official look at Rivian’s new lineup. And it’s not just one new model, but two – the R3 and R3X also made a surprise appearance. But first, let’s dive into the details of the R2.
In the video showcasing the new model, the “Reserve Now” button was prominently displayed at the top right corner. As we have previously discussed, the Rivian R1T has been leading the way in electric off-roading and it appears that the R2 will continue this trend at a more affordable cost.
RJ Scaringe, the founder and CEO of Rivian, revealed that the starting price for the R2 model will be approximately $45,000 and may increase with added features and variants. Interestingly, unlike its counterparts, the R2 is currently only showcased as an SUV, without any mention of a pickup equivalent like the R1T or R1S. If Rivian does eventually release an R2T pickup, it could potentially ignite a new era for compact electric truck models.
According to Scaringe, for those interested in performance, the 0-60 time for the triple-motor option will remain “under 3 seconds,” and the range for all variations will be 300 miles. The Rivian R1T currently holds the title of the most efficient full-size pickup truck in terms of eMPG, and with its smaller stature, the R2 is expected to surpass this achievement.
Aside from its impressive power and performance, the R2 will also come equipped with foldable rear and front seats, creating a spacious and completely flat interior. According to Scaringe, this design not only allows for ample cargo room, but also leaves enough space for an inflatable mattress, perfect for camping adventures.
The front trunk, also known as the “frunk,” remains a crucial component of the R2, just as it is in the R1S and R1T. In fact, it plays a significant role in enhancing the R2’s crash safety measures by offering additional padding in the event of an accident. This spacious frunk is one of the key factors that make the Rivian R1T a highly secure choice for a family-oriented pickup truck.
To the satisfaction of the crowd, CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed that the Rivian R1 series does not include a glovebox and proceeded to showcase how the R2 model will have two separate gloveboxes placed next to each other. The steering wheel is set to have twin scrolling wheels with haptic feedback, providing the ability to adjust the level of resistance and overall sensation.
According to the recent announcement, the R2 will be equipped with a total of 11 cameras and 5 radars. As stated by Scaringe, this advanced technology will provide the vehicle with a high level of self-driving capability, giving drivers the freedom to “take your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and truly operate it where you get your time back.”
In plain sight, Scaringe exhibited how the back quarter windows pop outward and the rear window folds down entirely to create a sensation of driving with the top down. This agile feature also aids in accommodating cargo, as mentioned by Scaringe, allowing for surfboards to conveniently protrude from the rear.
Thanks to the R1S overlay, it is evident that the R2 is considerably smaller in comparison to its larger sibling. Although this downsizing does increase the R2’s compactness, it is still larger than a truly compact SUV like the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 measures at 181.5 inches in length, while the R2 is slightly longer at 185.5 inches. Even in terms of wheelbase, the RAV4 surpasses the R2 with a measly 105.9 inches compared to the R2’s 115.55 inches. In fact, the R2 shares closer dimensions with the Land Rover Defender 110, which spans 187.3 inches in length and has a wheelbase of 119 inches.
Instead of utilizing the same platform as the R1S and R1T, the R2 will be built on a completely new platform featuring 4695-type battery cells. These cells are larger than the ones found in the already mentioned models. During the grand unveiling, CEO Scaringe made a startling announcement that the fresh platform could not only support other Rivian vehicles, but also have the capacity to do so.
There were no announcement about the price, and the overall measurements were not disclosed. However, it was revealed that the R3 and R3X will have a wheelbase of 2800 mm, which is equivalent to 110.24 inches, making it over 5 inches shorter than the R2. Despite having a similar appearance to a Hyundai Ioniq 5, or in the case of the R3X, a Lancia Delta HF Integrale, the Ioniq 5’s wheelbase measures at 118.1 inches, surpassing even the R2’s length.
The Ioniq 5 has been making quite a buzz lately, and according to Scaringe’s statement about a sub-3 second acceleration from 0-60, it seems like it could be some tough competition for other compact electric crossovers and sporty hatchbacks. So, if you’re a fan of fast on-road driving, it might be a good idea to start putting money aside for the potential release of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N hot hatch. However, if off-roading is more your style, perhaps take a look at the R2/R3/R3X models.
According to the manufacturer, the R3 was introduced as a smaller alternative to the R2, offering the same options for single, dual, or tri-motors. The R3X, on the other hand, was specifically mentioned to have a tri-motor setup. Both models, the R3 and R3X, will come equipped with the R2’s convenient flat-folding seats, dual gloveboxes, and advanced self-driving capabilities. However, there is one notable difference between the two, and it relates to the rear hatch. Instead of a retracting glass, the R3 and R3X will feature what Scaringe described as “Flipper Glass,” which lifts only the rear window rather than the entire tailgate. This innovative design allows owners to customize the height at which the glass will raise, providing added convenience and versatility.
The R3X surpasses the R3 in its off-road capabilities, boasting wider wheels and tires, increased ground clearance, and a broader stance. The aesthetic differences are notable, highlighted by orange accents on the tow hooks, side mirrors, interior, and brake calipers. The rims also sport a subtle orange stripe, though it remains unclear if this serves a functional purpose in detecting tire slippage, like the Dodge Challenger Demon. The Rivian website now includes a dedicated page for the R3, however, noticeably absent is the “Reserve Now” button.
During a recent presentation, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe announced that the highly anticipated Rivian R2 model would be released in the first half of 2026. The company is relying heavily on its manufacturing plant in Illinois to expedite the delivery of the R2 to customers. However, there was no mention of specific dates for the release or pre-order availability of the R3 and R3X models.According to Scaringe, the launch of the Rivian R2 is a top priority for the company and they are committed to delivering it to customers as soon as possible. He also expressed confidence in the capabilities of their Illinois plant, which was specifically designed and equipped to meet the demands of large-scale production.Despite the excitement surrounding the R2’s imminent release, there is still some uncertainty around the timelines for the R3 and R3X. These models were not discussed during the presentation, leaving customers eager for more details about their potential release dates.In conclusion, Rivian’s CEO has confirmed that the R2 will be available in the first half of 2026 and the company is working diligently to ensure timely delivery through their Illinois facility. However, information regarding the R3 and R3X remains unclear, causing anticipation among consumers for further updates
Alongside the exciting R2 and unexpected R3/R3X reveals, Scaringe made another significant announcement – the creation of the “Rivian Adventure Network,” a rapid charging infrastructure. As many have already read, one individual’s experience with a Rivian highlighted issues within the current charging network, and Rivian is determined to address these concerns. The reveal stated that over the next few years, there will be over 600 locations across the United States, and it will be an inclusive network that welcomes non-Rivian vehicles for charging.
According to Scaringe, starting this month, Rivian owners will have the opportunity to utilize Tesla’s Supercharger network. Additionally, Scaringe made a commitment that Rivian’s Adventure Network will generate its own energy, stating that “Rivian’s goal is to produce 7 billion miles of renewable energy annually by 2030.”
Rivian is a company that designs and manufactures electric vehicles, as well as services and energy storage systems. Its main goal is to create sustainable transportation solutions while minimizing the carbon footprint.Rivian is an organization dedicated to creating and producing electric automobiles, as well as providing maintenance and energy storage options. Our primary objective is to develop eco-friendly transportation solutions with minimal environmental impact.The company was founded in 2009 by R.J. Scaringe, with its headquarters located in Plymouth, Michigan. It started as Mainstream Motors, later changed to Rivian Automotive in 2011. Currently, it has operations in several other states, including California, Illinois, and Washington D.C.Established in 2009 by R.J. Scaringe, Rivian has its main base of operations in Plymouth, Michigan. Originally known as Mainstream Motors, the company rebranded as Rivian Automotive in 2011. Today, it also operates in various other regions such as California, Illinois, and Washington D.C.Rivian’s first two products are the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. Both vehicles are built on the same platform, making them versatile and suited for both off-road adventures and daily use. They also offer impressive range
