Rivian’s Lower Priced Model to Debut in Upcoming Month

Release Date Delayed: Product Launch Pushed Back to 2026

The upcoming debut of Rivian’s third model, known as the R2, has been officially announced. The American electric car company had previously teased the R2 in an Instagram Q&A session, but no specific date for its reveal had been given. Speculations on online forums pointed to a March 2024 launch, and it appears that these predictions were accurate. In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), Rivian confirmed that the R2 will indeed make its debut on March 7, 2024.

A short teaser video, lasting only nine seconds, features the words, “This is it. Get ready to meet R2 on March 7th.” The actual vehicle is not revealed in the brief clip, but the name “R2” and the date of March 7th are prominently displayed.

Based on our observations of images hidden from public view and information disclosed in Rivian’s patent applications, it is evident that the R2 will fall into the category of a compact crossover, following the footsteps of electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Positioned lower than the Rivian R1S SUV in the product range, the absence of an S or T at the end of its moniker may suggest that there will be no pickup truck iteration, or that Rivian is introducing a new naming system.

Instead of an initial cost of $84,000 like the R1S, the R2 will offer a more accessible price range of $40,000 to $50,000. Like Tesla’s Model 3, the R2 aims to expand Rivian’s reach to a wider audience. Currently, their brand primarily caters to affluent customers.

Limited information has been released about the R2, however it is expected to have a similar tough yet luxurious design as its popular predecessors, the R1S and R1T. The R2 will be manufactured at a newly established Rivian facility in Georgia, a result of a $5 billion investment that will bring over 7,500 job opportunities by 2028. It is uncertain when this plant will commence operations, and if Rivian will be able to produce the R1 at their current factory in Illinois. Therefore, although the R2 is set to debut in 2024, actual production may not begin until 2026. Hopefully, Rivian will follow through on their promised pricing despite the extended development period.