[dragracer567]

Rivian has surprised everyone by launching three new compact cars - namely the R2, R3 and the R3X!

Primarily focused for the European launch of the brand, the R2 will compete with the Tesla Model Y while the smaller R3 which was the real surprise will feature even lower. Tesla has been talking forever about a smaller Model 2 but seems like Rivian beat it to the punch. The R3X meanwhile will be a tri-motor making it a hot rod.

This is good news, because it seemed for a while that Chinese brands like BYD would rule the electric car future but Silicon Valley companies like Rivian and Lucid are springing surprises. The future does seem questionable for many traditional car companies though.

R2 is Rivian’s all-new midsize SUV delivering a combination of performance, capability and utility in a five-seat package optimized for big adventures and everyday use. The silhouette and face of R2 are distinctly Rivian. The powered rear glass fully drops into the liftgate for carrying all types of gear and enabling a unique open air driving experience. The interior is designed for ease-of-use, while being uniquely Rivian through a combination of inviting design and premium, sustainable materials that are easy to clean. R2 also features first and second row seating that fold completely flat, for gear, cargo, and even car camping.

R3 is a midsize crossover that is tidy on dimensions but delivers big in terms of performance, off-road capability, passenger comfort, and storage. R3X is a performance variant of R3 offering even more dynamic abilities both on and off road. The design of the exterior and interior of R3 are inviting and iconic. R3 demonstrates the scalability of Rivian’s brand across different form factors while continuing to be immediately recognizable.

R2 and R3 will feature two battery sizes. The larger pack will achieve over 300 miles of range on a single charge and offer 0-60 mph acceleration in under 3 seconds for the quickest powertrain configuration.

Pricing for R2 is expected to start around $45,000, and R3 will be priced below R2, making Rivian vehicles more accessible to more people. Rivian's development teams have been intensely focused on cost through manufacturing, design innovation, and robust supply chain development. R2 is available to reserve today in the U.S. for $100 with deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2026. R3 and R3X deliveries will start after R2, to ensure a smooth launch and rapid ramp of R2 – this is a learning from Rivian’s simultaneous launch of R1T, R1S and EDV. R2, R3, R3X will be available internationally following their North American launch.

To summarize:

Improved capital efficiency: Total savings estimated to be over $2.25 billion as compared to the original forecast of launching the first line of R2 production at Rivian’s Georgia site. The savings are expected to come from capital expenditures, product development investment, and supplier sourcing opportunities.

Improved cash visibility: Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments expected to be sufficient to fund operations through the start of R2 production.

R2 planned start of production: The timing has been pulled forward to now be in first half of 2026.

Total expected Normal capacity following R2 launch and plant changes: 215,000 units of total annual capacity across R1T, R1S, EDV, RCV, and R2.

Press release

[14000rpm]

This is essentially a show to instill investor confidence in the company and they did a very good job at it. While the R2 was really what was most expected by the market, Rivian surprised everybody with the R3 and the R3X and the media can't speak enough about these mini-Rivian's. In fact nobody is talking about the R2 actually. Such is the appeal of the R3. Heck, I'm eagerly awaiting the R3X now. After the Lucid Gravity, this is the only other EV that I am waiting for.

The R3's styling evokes several memories. Some see a Mk1 Golf Cross Country, Some see a Lancia Delta and some a Lada Niva. I see a Lancia Delta and more so, it's Group B rendition. that's what pulls me closer to the R3X.

Awaiting Jason Cammisa's video on youtube. Seems like he is the only one (I could be wrong too) that has spend a lot of time fiddling around the R3X.

[volkman10]

Rivian claims success!

In less than 24 hours, we’ve taken more than 68,000 R2 reservations. We are thrilled to see this vehicle resonate so strongly with our community!

Link:

[14000rpm]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Rivian claims success!

And they haven't yet started sales in Europe where the R2 fits well compared to their R1S. They have been saying they will start operations in Europe soon but nothing seems to show up. Fisker and Lucid have started Europe Operations.

Lucid's approach to the European market, atleast to me, seems a bit shoddy. Hope Rivian learns from Lucid's mis-steps and does one better.

[volkman10]

The R2 made an appearance at Electrify Expo Orlando, capturing ample attention with its familiar design and $45,000 starting price tag.

Set to arrive in the first half of 2026, the R2 follows in the footsteps of the R1S and features a familiar front fascia with a prominent light bar that cuts through vertical headlights. The similarities continue further back as both models have flush-mounted door handles and similar bodywork.

Other highlights include a sizable frunk and rear quarter windows with a vent function. The rear glass can also be lowered into the tailgate to aid with cargo loading or provide a “unique open air driving experience.”

the model reportedly measures 185.6 inches (4,714 mm) long and this would make it 15.2 inches (386 mm) shorter than its big brother. The model is also smaller than the Porsche Macan Electric and is a strict five-seater.

The R2 rides on an all-new platform and will be offered with two different battery packs including one with more than 300 miles (483 km) of range. Rivian has also said we can expect single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations with the latter allowing for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of less than three seconds. We can also expect a NACS port that allows the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge in less than 30 minutes.

















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[volkman10]

Rivian builds 100,000th EV as R1T becomes top safety pick+

Rivian has hit a production milestone as their 100,000 vehicle has rolled off the assembly line in Normal, Illinois

The good news doesn’t end there as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently announced the 2024 Rivian R1T has become a Top Safety Pick+. That’s the highest tier and is an upgrade from the truck’s earlier rating as a Top Safety Pick.

This is notable as the R1T is the only large pickup to be a Top Safety Pick+ for 2024. The only other model to even chart is the 2024 Toyota Tundra, which is a Top Safety Pick.

Link:

[volkman10]

Volkswagen inks deal with Rivian.

VW hands Rivian $5bn financial lifeline in return for software help.

The two companies have formed a joint venture to produce software-defined vehicles together.

The Volkswagen Group will invest up $5 billion into US electric start-up Rivian amid the creation of a joint venture between the two companies, which is intended to design the next generation of software-defined vehicles.

The investment hands Rivian a financial lifeline to secure its mid-term future amid persistent losses, while Volkswagen gets access to Rivian’s future-positioned electrical architecture to accelerate its often cumbersome software development programme.

The resulting architecture developed between the two companies will find its way into vehicles in the second half of the decade, the two said in a joint statement.

Link:

[diwakarmuthu]

The right approach IMHO. The current price points are way above par in the US and for them to be successful, they will need smaller, more agile cars for Europe.