There’s no denying that Rivian is one of America’s most promising automakers. The R1S and R1T satisfied many customers, and the two EVs had (and still do) no major issues despite being first-generation vehicles. He only had one major recall (due to insufficient bolt torque). Now, the time has come for Rivian to add another EV to its portfolio, and many believe that his R2 series has already made its unofficial debut. Here’s what you need to know:
Photo: Club Rivian and Roger Inn on Facebook | Edited
Rivian has confirmed that the R2 will go on sale on March 7th, and potential buyers will be able to reserve one of the earliest units for themselves by putting down a fully refundable deposit. The announcement also included a video showing R2. EV For everyone. It primarily focused on a suburban type of life where people were friendly and knew each other well, spending time in the community rather than venturing out into nature.
The video had meaning. This EV is unlikely to pose a threat to the off-road capable R1S. For many people, the R2 is a crossover eSUV, and it should be a vehicle that you charge and use every day at home or work, or share with your family.
The footage suggests that R2 was created for people who like to have fun and spend time with each other, while still being responsible. All of this suggests that Rivian’s latest EV is a spacious, lifestyle-oriented two-row crossover eSUV. Think of it like a boxy Tesla Model Y, an affordable version of the expensive Model X. Basically, I’m expecting a small R1S.
However, some photos posted shortly after the automaker’s announcement made everyone wonder if the R2 is already on sale. These photos show two of his Rivian EVs next to each other. There was a forest green R1S (no one will deny that) and a white EV with the brand’s trademarked exterior design, but it wasn’t anything we’d seen before.
Photo: New-Enthusiasm-9120 on Reddit
The team was said to have been filming commercials and preparing photos for new media.
novelty and specialness
The new model features new wheel designs, more blacked-out trim, a charging port on the rear passenger side, and a slightly sloping C-pillar with no emblem. Netizens were quick to claim that this is the much-hyped and much-awaited Rivian R2.
Unfortunately, we don’t think so. The EV spotted in downtown Los Angeles is equipped with a front tow hook (the R2S, which is not even in the patent sketch, has no tow hook), bold daytime running (stadium) lights surrounding the main headlights, and fog lamps. I was there. The R2 is expected to debut with slimmer DRLs and three LED optical sensors instead of four like the R1T and R1S. Plus, his two EVs seem too similar to be separate models. There is almost no difference in size between the two.
Additionally, it is important to note that Rivian is preparing to close its Normal, Illinois factory for several weeks to upgrade its production line. The CFO acknowledged the downtime last year and said important updates needed to be introduced to the R1 series EVs. What these images show us could be the newer His R1S rather than the smaller His R2 series.
The location of the charging port is especially important. Rivian has confirmed that it will adopt Tesla’s charging port, so it makes sense to place the charging port on the rear passenger side for easier access at the Supercharger.
Photo: Rivian
Similarly, this could mean that Rivian Adventure Network will get a NACS plug and the R1S will be able to use a NACS plug without having to go to a Tesla Supercharger. The plinths seen in these images are not real. They were used as props.
The company also plans to open up its DC charging network to other brands until the end of the year, meaning this could be an industry-wide announcement rather than just a photo shoot for an upcoming new model. .
In addition to all this, Rivian was already caught testing a fake R1T and R1S in Alaska. This also hints at an impending update and that could be what is shown in the images and photo gallery below.
It’s not over yet
Given that Rivian hasn’t indicated that the R2 will be built in a normal factory, we wouldn’t expect the brand to have many working prototypes either. Production of the small crossover e-SUV is scheduled to begin in 2026 after the Georgia plant becomes operational.
Photo: Rivian
Still, we wouldn’t have done our job if we didn’t mention that several people who were in the parking lot at the time of the shooting said they saw an R1S with a “small R1S” next to it. Sho.
As far as we know, the only strong evidence that the model pictured below is an R2 is the rear quarter glass and sloping D-pillar. The R1S has a more linear design in that area. However, the photo may also have been distorted because it was taken from a nearby skyscraper.
Unlike Mazda fans who dislike the fact that the CX-70 is a two-row CX-90, Rivian buyers are looking for the Mini R1S. Their wishes may come true on March 7th, but it’s unlikely we’ll see the real R2 at this preview.
Whatever it is, Rivian must be enjoying people’s reactions to her plans to add a new member to the family. R2 is expected to debut at a price in the low $40s. It shouldn’t cost more than $60,000 for the top trim. Let’s hope the young automaker decides to pack enough battery into the R2 eSUV to get at least 300 miles on a full charge.
News: Here’s a potential first look at Rivian R2 next to R1S on the Rivian Adventure Network site. pic.twitter.com/OkiFmyTZYr
— RivianTrackr (@RivianTrackr) February 16, 2024
