American electric automaker Rivian has finally launched the debut of the highly anticipated R2 electric SUV during a livestream on Thursday afternoon.
Surprisingly, Rivian also introduced two new upcoming electric vehicle models to expand its next-gen lineup.
Rivian R2 debut
As EV-a2z previously reported, the Rivian R2 is a compact electric SUV with a lower pricing than the R1T and R1S models.
The all-new Rivian R2 will deliver an estimated driving range of more than 300 miles, featuring the brand’s new 4695 cylindrical battery cells. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds.
It will offer three motor configurations, including single-, dual-, and tri-motor. It will also come equipped with a Tesla NACS port directly from the factory, eliminating the need for an adapter. It is also worth noting that the R2’s charge ports are located in the rear part of the vehicle, unlike the R1T and R1S ports at the front.
It has a base price of only $45,000, slightly under the average selling price of a new traditional internal combustion-powered vehicle. Interested buyers can obtain the Rivian R2 for an even lower price with the $7,500 federal tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Rivian announced that the new R2 will not hit the production line until H1 2026. Nonetheless, prospective buyers can now start reserving a unit for only $100.
Rivian introduces new R3 and R3X models
Rivian stunned electric vehicle enthusiasts with the reveal of the other two new electric vehicles, R3 and R3X.
The new Rivian R3
The new Rivian R3 appears to be more compact compared to the R2 electric SUV, with a shorter wheelbase and an overall narrower build.
It also comes with three variants, including single-motor, dual-motor, and tri-motor configurations. Rivian has yet to release the estimated driving range of the R3, but it will come with a similar battery pack as the R2.
The new Rivian R3X
Lastly, Rivian also introduced a new high-performance vehicle called “R3X.”
It only has a tri-motor configuration, with a wider body and more ground clearance compared to the R3. It also features a “rugged and playful” interior built from anodized metal and cork, among other materials.
Rivian has yet to release more details about the R3 and R3X’s availability and pricing. Meanwhile, it expects to start the R2 deliveries in the first half of 2026. However, it remains to be seen if the American automaker can actually stick to this set timeline. In hindsight, some of the early R1T customers had to wait for a long time before receiving the vehicle.
