Excitement over the launch of electric off-road vehicle specialist Rivian's R2 has been building for weeks, but the company surprised and shocked its audience by announcing an even smaller and painfully cool R3 model, both of which will hit the US market in the coming years. followed by plans to launch it in Europe.
The R2 is possibly the most traditional SUV/crossover. Riding on Rivian's new mid-size platform, it is expected to cost around $45,000 (around £35,000/AU$45,000) and is essentially the same size as a Tesla Model Y ($36,450), although slightly taller .
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said at the glittering launch event that the R2 will be offered in a number of variants covering a wide range of prices, from single-motor configurations to dual- and triple-motor options for maximum performance; It hit 60 mph from rest in just three seconds.
There are few details on the exact battery pack specification, but Rivian says the two newly announced models will be offered with two battery sizes, the largest of which is capable of more than 300 miles of range on a single charge. The battery packs are now also part of the vehicle's main structure, while DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent will take less than 30 minutes.
Image 1 of 6
Sitting below the R1T pickup truck and R1S full-size off-road SUV, the aptly named R2 features Rivian's distinctive boxy silhouette and front end, comprising a full-width light bar and two oval daytime running lights that give it an unforgettable look. face.
Of course, the launch of a modern car isn't complete without a mention of autonomous driving functionality, and both the R2 and R3 feature a new 'perception stack' that features 11 cameras, five radars and a more powerful computing platform that, according to Rivian, “will provide dramatically improved autonomous capabilities.”
The Californian company is also big on lifestyle features, stating that the rear seats fold flat to create a unique motorhome experience, while optional extras such as a 'Travel Kitchen' and a 'Rivian Treehouse' ' They introduce cooking facilities and a roof. Upper tent with heated mattress and interior lighting, something we have also seen in the Tesla Cybertruck.
A shocking announcement
Although we were waiting for the presentation of the much talked about R2, the R3 and the more resistant R3X models were real surprises. We probably won't see them until 2027 at the earliest, but we do know they're based on the same platform as the larger R2, including shared use of motors and batteries.
The R3 is planned to be an “entry-level” model, so expect it to be even cheaper than the R2, but this baby of the bunch is still capable of that ferocious three-second 0-60 mph sprint in the models. more powerful.
It looks absolutely fantastic too, with the R3 (especially the rugged X model) seamlessly blending the worlds of modern SUV and retro hatchback.
We're seeing hints of an improved Lancia Delta and first-generation VW Golf in the exterior styling, while the interior is decked out with tactile (and often recycled) materials, a haptic user interface and plenty of space for five.
Image 1 of 4
It's no surprise that Rivian's stock price skyrocketed after the launch event, which will be music to the ears of California electric vehicle innovators. Last month, a letter to shareholders revealed that its annual net losses amounted to $5.4 billion.
Rivian blamed its underperforming production line for the losses, promising to improve manufacturing so it can produce more vehicles, but it's also a tough time for EV sales in general, with many saying customer demand is slowing. cooling in general.
The announcement of a more affordable R2 and an even cheaper R3 in the future will likely attract more customers, but Rivian says its R2 isn't expected until 2026, which seems like a long time in today's fiercely competitive EV climate. .
