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Rivian R2 and R3: Rivian's "compact" models also for Europe

Following the large R1S and R1T, Rivian plans to introduce more compact models that will be distributed worldwide. In the USA, they will start at $45,000 before taxes. 

The R3 comes as a hatchback with a 2.8-meter wheelbase and will be about 4.6 meters short. | Photo: Rivian
The R3 comes as a hatchback with a 2.8-meter wheelbase and will be about 4.6 meters short. | Photo: Rivian
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Gregor Soller

Visually, the R1S and R2 resemble each other at first glance almost like two peas in a pod - or should we say, like a square egg carton? Rivian certainly remained true to itself visually and successfully downsized the R1 to the R2, while the R3 with its sloping rear end seems to indeed cite the Ioniq 5...

The R2 starts from $45,000 before taxes, the R3 just over $40,000

The base price of the R2 starts at $45,000 before taxes in the US market. The somewhat more compact R3 is expected to start at just over $40,000. In the domestic market, both models can be reserved immediately for $100. In Europe, one could also definitely stay below the magical €50,000 mark. Because in addition to hopefully stable-running software, the cost screw has been massively turned again on the midsize platform. Rivian also needs to quickly achieve higher volumes at affordable prices.

The main problem with the new models: they won't arrive until 2026, even though the R1S and R1T could already use some support now. Initially launched as an electric pickup and full-size fright against the Ford F-150 and the big Rams and Suburbans of the world, Rivian soon had to contend with every startup's "production hell" and became the supplier of new Amazon delivery vans in Germany - because Amazon is the largest shareholder and needs something other than off-road vehicles.

And something more compact, which is why the midsize platform is now following, on which the two new R2 and R3 models stand. Rivian Chief Designer Jeff Hammoud has kept the R2 very close to the R1S, though the design has been "shrunk" to 4.72 meters. With 2.94 meters, the R2 offers a lot of wheelbase and, thanks to the angular shape, also a lot of space inside. Inside, the rear seats can be completely folded flat to provide a flat loading area. The rear window of the R2 can be lowered.

Even more compact and with only a 2.80-meter wheelbase, the R3 rolls in, which is somewhat more compact inside and, with a planned sports version called the R3X, is also supposed to rock the pavement and move furthest away from the "utility thought" of the rest of the family.

The powerful versions of the R2 and R3 are said to accelerate to 100 km/h in just about three seconds. The base is a rear-wheel-drive version, with all-wheel-drive and, in the top models, versions with a front drive and two motors on the rear axle also available.

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Safety has also been considered: A total of eleven cameras and five radar sensors are intended to support future driver assistance systems with highly automated driving functions. Plans are also in place to keep R2 and R3 up to date with software updates.

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe proudly explained:

"I have never been so excited to bring new products to market - R2 and R3 are unmistakably Rivian in terms of performance, capabilities, and user-friendliness, but with a price that makes them affordable for many people."

R2 and R3 are expected to come in two battery sizes starting in spring 2026. The larger battery, with 4,695 individual cells, should offer ranges of up to 500 kilometers and be charged from 10 to 80 percent via DC in the usual "just under half an hour".

The production of the R2 takes place in the former Mitsubishi and current Rivian plant in Normal, Illinois. Yes, that is actually the name of the place. Up to 215,000 units of the R1T, R1S, R2, and the delivery van (no longer just for Amazon) can be built there. Additionally, Rivian is planning a new second production facility in Morgan County, Georgia, where only the R2 and R3 would be assembled, but they are still waiting on that. Currently, a cost-saving program is in place for Illinois, where they are looking to find more than two billion dollars.

What does this mean?

Rivian has made a mark with the R1 models, but these are for the US market. The R2 and R3 would be suitable for the global market while still being very American and electric, occupying a niche that Ford, GM, and Stellantis are still taking their time to enter. Hopefully, Rivian will hold on until 2026; the new models deserve it and would also work in Europe.

Translated automatically from German.
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