Rivian announced its new electric vehicles: The R2, an all-new midsize SUV, and the R3, a compact crossover.
The new models will be built on an entirely new midsize platform designed to optimize performance, range and cost efficiency. Rivian said the R2 will be a versatile SUV ideal for both adventures and daily commutes, while the R3 and its performance variant, R3X, will offer compact yet powerful options for consumers seeking agility and capability.
Both models will offer three motor variants, fast charging and self driving capabilities, as well as more than 300 miles in range from an all-new 4695 cell that offers significant improvements in energy density and output.
Pricing for the R2 is expected to start around $45,000, and the R3 will be priced below. The R2 is available to reserve now in the U.S. for $100, with deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2026. R3 and R3X deliveries will start later.
Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe announced March 8 the company had already received 68,000 reservations for the R2, a day after they opened.
“I have never been more excited to launch new products -- R2 and R3 are distinctly Rivian in terms of performance, capability and usability, yet with pricing that makes them accessible to a lot of people,” said Scaringe. “Our design and engineering teams are extremely focused on driving innovation into not only the product features but also our approach to manufacturing to achieve dramatically lower costs. R2 provides buyers starting in the $45,000 price range with a much-needed choice with a thoroughly developed technology platform that is bursting with personality. I can’t wait to get these to customers.”
Rivian said it will begin production of the R2 at its existing Normal, IL, manufacturing facility, rather than its second facility in Georgia, on which construction has been paused. This will allow the company to launch the R2 earlier and at a considerable savings -- Rivian said it expects to save $2.25 billion on capital expenditures, product development investment and supplier sourcing opportunities by producing the R2 in Illinois to start.
Building the R2 in its Illinois factory is also allowing Rivian to move up the start date of production to the first half of 2026. At that time, the Illinois factory will be capable of producing a total of 215,000 vehicles a year across its R1T, R1S, EDV, RCV and R2 lines.
Rivian said its Georgia plant remains an "extremely important part of its strategy to scale production of R2 and R3." The timing for resuming construction is expected to be later to focus its teams on the capital-efficient launch of R2 in Illinois.
