At $74,900 before options, the Rivian R1S is not an affordable electric vehicle, far from it. It is significantly more expensive than the average new car sold in the United States, which cost $47,401 in January 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book. Fortunately, the EV brand is about to unveil a much cheaper model. Get ready to meet the R2, which reportedly starts at $47,500.
The world premiere later today is expected to include full technical specifications and likely confirmation of the announced price. If the disclosed starting price is accurate, the Rivian R2 will cost around $3,500 more than the base Tesla Model Y. Presumably, it will qualify for electric vehicle tax credits of up to $7,500 since it will be built at a new price of $5 billion, $1,800. Half-acre manufacturing campus in Stanton Springs, Georgia. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed this last month in an interview with Forbes. That would bring the price down to $40,000.
The alleged asking price appeared briefly in the code of the company’s website. It has since been deleted, but not before sharp-eyed backs grabbed the essential number and shared it on social media. Additionally, the claimed sticker price was accompanied by yet-to-be-confirmed specs that made the rounds this week.
The Rivian R2 is believed to have a maximum range of 330 miles and a 0-60 mph time of three seconds. Internal data also revealed a five-seat interior and the following physical dimensions: 185.6 inches long, 75 inches wide (84.4 inches with mirrors), and 66.9 inches wide. The smallest electric SUV would have a wheelbase of 115.6 inches as well as approach angles of 25 degrees and departure angles of 27 degrees.
The leaked source code also mentioned a “power rear window,” which likely means the tailgate has a power sliding window. Speaking of practicality, the front trunk will offer “plenty of space for storing large items – from weekend gear to weekly shopping.” The trunk is also large enough to store a bike rack system when not in use. Otherwise, it connects to the rear accessory ports, without the need for tools.
There’s a good chance that the Rivian R2 will be the first non-Tesla factory-equipped with a Tesla-style NACS (North American Charging Standard) plug. This would allow owners to access the vast Supercharger network without having to use an adapter. You will also be able to recharge the battery at the Combined Charging System (CCS) charging stations.
You’re going to be waiting a long time, because even though the official debut is today, the R2 isn’t expected to hit the streets until 2026, according to the same source code we mentioned earlier. This would make sense since the new plant in Georgia won’t be ready by then.
Rivian’s website says that today’s reveal will include pricing and delivery times only for the United States and Canada. However, the company has already confirmed that the R2 will also come to Europe.
The live stream begins at 1:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. GMT / 7:00 p.m. CET.
