The Rivian R2 will debut in just a few short weeks.
Prior to its full reveal in Laguna Beach, the electric automaker teased its upcoming model with a 30-second long video Thursday. We’ll actually see the details of what Rivian has in store on March 7, and the automaker confirms $100 refundable reservations will open up as soon as it pulls the sheet off this latest addition to the lineup.
So, what exactly is the Rivian R2 then? While the R1T and R1S launched the marque in the EV space, these flagships are not exactly within everyone’s budget. To solve the affordability issue, the R2 will be a smaller, less expensive model than the full-size, three-row R1S is. We naturally don’t know exact pricing details yet, but we expect the car to start somewhere in the $40,000 range — in the same ballpark as the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4, among others — with better-equipped models reaching into the $50,000s and possibly topping out around $60,000.
Rivian says the R2 is “a new take on adventure” in its latest teaser. By what we can see of the design in the teaser above, it’s clear the smaller model is aiming for the same sort of rugged, lifestyle vibe, just in a smaller package. The full-width LED light bar, oval-shaped running lights and general silhouette closely resemble the R1S, so there’s no mistaking it for anything other than a Rivian, even before the full reveal.
Technical details on the upcoming Rivian R2 are more of a question mark. Answers to questions including whether the new car will use a modified version of the R1’s platform and battery are probably a straightforward ‘yes’, though there could be a few surprises in store to set this vehicle apart from its larger siblings.
Once it does debut, Rivian will actually build the R2 at its new Georgia plant, about 45 minutes east of Atlanta.
TFL Studios will cover the reveal event, so stay tuned for more details from California on March 7.
