The Rivian R2 is unveiled | Car News

Immediately after sharing snippets of info and a couple of photographs right here and there, Rivian has formally lifted the veil on the 3rd car or truck it’s bringing to market, the R2 SUV. 

This much more reasonably priced electric powered SUV will participate in a big function in shaping the firm’s foreseeable future prospective buyers. The firm’s two present designs, the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, are undoubtedly stylish, but their costs are not obtainable to all. 

Exterior style and design of 2026 Rivian R2

Photograph: Rivian

2026 Rivian R2 grey

2026 Rivian R2 gray

Picture: Rivian

The R2 will be supplied at a beginning rate of $45,000 USD, which is guaranteed to appeal to quite a few consumers previously fascinated in the products of this rather new company. 

Creation would not start until 2026, nevertheless. A amount of items could alter between now and then, together with the declared selling price. Let’s just say we’ve viewed this prior to. Nevertheless, Rivian will in all probability be incredibly intense, as it needs an very affordable product to contend with Tesla and all the other suppliers promising, in the quick and medium time period, more cost-effective electric powered models. 

Interior of 2026 Rivian R2

Interior of 2026 Rivian R2

Photograph: Rivian

Unveiling of 2026 Rivian R2

Unveiling of 2026 Rivian R2

Photograph: Rivian

Yesterday, we disclosed a number of particulars about the design, like its proportions and assortment, which had been verified at the formal unveiling. What catches the eye is the estimated array of 330 miles, or 531 kilometers. The R2 will provide a host of equipment certain to interest out of doors lovers, this sort of as a bike attachment process that connects effortlessly to the rear of the car.

But over and above what it guarantees and will ultimately supply, challenges remain for Rivian. The business noted dropping $1.58 billion USD in the previous a few months of 2023, taking its net once-a-year losses to $ 5.4 billion. The company lost tens of 1000’s of pounds for every car or truck sold previous calendar year, as it struggled to boost manufacturing and crank out desire further than the original wave of potential buyers.

Rivian’s shares have shed 53 p.c of their price considering that the start of this yr, weighted down by disappointing shipping and delivery figures and its February announcement that creation development in 2024 was expected to be zero. 

But which is not all. Rivian has also announced options to lay off 10 per cent of its salaried team, the third these kinds of round of layoffs in the past two several years. Rivian is predicted to near its Regular, Illinois plant for several months in purchase to make advancements to the line that provides the R1T. 

2026 Rivian R2 white

2026 Rivian R2 white

Picture: Rivian

At the very same time, it plans to create a $5 billion plant in Georgia, to develop the R2 starting up in 2026. 

The company’s executives putting on reassuring faces, mind you. In February, Rivian manager RJ Scaringe reported that the mid-sizing SUV section targeted by the firm was “a large current market with handful of compelling selections for electric automobiles other than Tesla.” 

Rivian spokeswoman Marina Hoffman claimed the corporation had a “clear vision toward profitability,” citing endeavours to reduce expenses and boost performance at its Illinois generation plant. The firm has decreased the range of shifts to develop the exact same variety of motor vehicles, and is at present renegotiating contracts with suppliers.

Time will explain to if these conclusions are the correct ones. We hope so, for the sake of the business, its personnel and consumers, who usually reward when the give is as diversified as attainable.

The all-new 2026 Rivian R2

The all-new 2026 Rivian R2

Photo: Rivian

Glimpse of 2026 Rivian R2

Glimpse of 2026 Rivian R2

Picture: Rivian