The American brand Rivian, which many investors and experts predict will be the successor to Tesla in the field of mass electric vehicles, is preparing a real bomb. Literally a month after the start of serial production of the long-awaited R2 crossover, which should become the main competitor to the Model Y, the head of the company, R. J. Scaringe, made a sensational statement. It turns out that new modifications of this platform are already maturing in the brand’s secret laboratories, and we are talking not only about “charged” versions, but also about completely different body types.
If you are tired of the monotony on the roads and want to understand what we will be driving in a couple of years, it’s time to take a closer look at Rivian’s plans, writes xrust. The company, which has gone through difficult times and the battle for survival, is finally entering the operational space. The prize fund in the race for the “people’s” electric car is huge, and the American startup has all the cards to beat the established leader.
Tesla Hunter: why R2 is an event
The new Rivian R2 is not just another four-door. This is a strategic weapon. The previous R1S and R1T models were great, but they cost exorbitant prices (from $75,000), remaining toys for wealthy enthusiasts. With the R2, the company is aiming for the heart of the mass market — the segment of mid-size electric crossovers, where the Tesla Model Y rules the roost. The first deliveries to customers will begin in June this year. True, you will have to be patient: a real people's car with an adequate price tag will appear a little later.
At the start of sales, dealerships will greet customers with a “charged” version of the Performance Launch Package. For a quick start you will have to pay about 58,000—that’s almost 58,000—that’s almost 59,485 according to the latest data, including taxes. However, the technical characteristics justify the price tag: 656 horsepower and acceleration to “hundreds” in 3.7 seconds. This is a real “charge” in the world of electric SUVs.
Waiting strategy: why do we need R2X and other “animals”?
But the most interesting thing is hidden in the fog of the future. In an interview with Reuters, Scaringe stated bluntly: “There are other variants of R2 that we have not shown yet.” Insiders and analysts immediately began to speculate.
Firstly, the company's plans include R2X . If you follow the logic of the brand (remember the “charged” hatchback R3X), the letter “X” means a high-performance modification. We are likely to see a track-oriented version with even more aggressive chassis settings and carbon elements. This is a direct departure towards “charged” electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Secondly, and this is much more important, a pickup based on the R2 . A hint of this came right during the conversation about new modifications. The US pickup market is a sacred cow. If Rivian manages to create a compact, affordable (around $50,000) electric truck on the same platform, it will sell like hotcakes, taking a huge bite out of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, which are just coughing up the electric theme.
Under the hood: numbers, timing and the “long-range” version
In the meantime, the company is focused on the phased release of the R2 line. Here is a clear schedule that the automaker gives to its future owners:
- Spring -Summer 2026: Performance Launch Package version (~$58 000). All-wheel drive, 656 hp, range ~530 km.
- End of 2026: Premium trim (~$53,990). Slightly less powerful (450 hp), but just as long-range. The main emphasis is on comfort and silence in the cabin.
- First half of 2027: Start of the Standard Long Range version (~$48,490). There will be a choice: either rear-wheel drive (charge saving, range up to 555 km), or all-wheel drive (450 hp) with a slight reduction in range.
- End of 2027: The long-awaited basic version of the Standard Range for $45,000 . This is the very psychological mark that will make Rivian truly massive. The power reserve will be more than 440 km.
Georgia and autonomous robots: a rake or a breakthrough?
The new gigafactory in Georgia gives the project a global scale. Construction is in full swing, and the start of production at these facilities is scheduled for the end of 2028. It is there that Rivian will be able to churn out modifications in huge quantities, reducing costs. Important update: the company has increased the capacity of the first phase of the plant to 300,000 cars per year.
Few people expected, but the main driver for R2 will be… taxis. Rivian announced a deal with Uber for a fabulous $1.25 billion . By 2028, 10,000 R2 robotaxis will appear on the streets of San Francisco and Miami. They will be completely autonomous (drones) and will operate exclusively through the Uber platform. This is not just news — it is confirmation that the R2 hardware platform (RAP1 chips, lidars and 11 cameras) is ready for the highest level of autonomy.
Russian context: why is this important for us?
While the market for new electric vehicles in the Russian Federation is experiencing difficulties with logistics and payments, parallel imports and private advertisements continue to work. There are a lot of Teslas now, they have become “tiny” and boring. Rivian R2 is fresh air.
With an entry price of about $45,000-58,000 (at the start), even taking into account customs clearance and delivery through “gray” schemes, the R2 may be in the same weight category as the new Chinese crossovers. But at the same time it will offer a unique “American” design (which many fans have been waiting for since the release of the R1T) and a futuristic interior. If you are planning to update your vehicle fleet in 2027-2028, budget for R2. This car promises to become a new must-have for technology lovers who are already tired of Elon Musk's lineup.
Bottom line: Rivian is no longer a “dying startup.” With the launch of the R2 and a range of future modifications (R2X, pickup truck, robotaxi), the company is turning into one of the most dangerous predators in the herd of electric vehicles. We are following the development of the plot.
News feed https://www.reuters.com
Xrust Not only Tesla: Rivian is preparing Hot R2X and pickup truck to disrupt the affordable electric vehicle market
