American electric automaker Rivian recently filed for the necessary permits to host a “worldwide product launch event” in Laguna Beach on March 7, 2024. Interestingly, the filings revealed that the launch model would be the highly-awaited R2 electric SUV.
Rivian R2 to hit the market soon
According to the local community publication Stu News Laguna, the Laguna Beach City Council meeting’s agenda on January 23 focused on the consideration of granting Rivian’s request to use a certain part of the main park for a half-day public event.
Rivian apparently plans to exhibit six vehicles in the park “for informational purposes only,” hinting at a potential launch of the R2. Electric vehicle enthusiasts have been anticipating its launch, as it will be smaller and cheaper compared to the brand’s current portfolio.
The filing did not specifically indicate the main purpose of the “worldwide launch event.” Nonetheless, a diagram at the bottom part of the planned design for the vehicles includes “RIVIAN R2 LAUNCH v11.pln.”
Did Rivian bail on the request?
Rivian apparently bailed on its request to launch a public event on the beach area due to the loud opposition it received from some locals following the leak of the documents.
Nonetheless, Rivian does not seem to cancel the launch event entirely. As indicated in the filing, Rivian seems prepared to finally launch the R2 electric SUV around a month and a half from now.
Since Rivian already acquired the event area inside the theater, it may no longer need to utilize the public land.
What’s currently known about the R2?
Rivian has previously announced plans to develop and sell a more compact and affordable version of its R1T and R1S electric vehicles.
The currently available R1 models gained positive reviews, but their base price of about $80,000 discourages budget-conscious buyers.
Rivian has yet to reveal more information about the R2 vehicle. Nonetheless, the automaker previously previewed the model in an Instagram story in late May last year.
It looks smaller compared to the R1 based on Rivian’s tall Chief Executive RJ Scaringe standing next to it. However, it retained the R1’s boxy body shape. CEO Scaringe previously announced the company’s plans to launch the R2 in 2026 with a base price of approximately $50,000.
It would be exciting to learn more about the highly awaited electric SUV. Hopefully, Rivian will pursue its plans to unveil the model on March 7 this year.
