Rivian begins deliveries of R2 SUV, targeting mass market scale
Original: Rivian starts deliveries of its all-important R2 SUV
Why This Matters
Rivian's mass-market R2 launch could reshape the struggling U.S. EV market landscape
Electric vehicle maker Rivian started delivering its R2 SUV to customers on Tuesday, with plans to deliver 20,000-25,000 units by year-end. Starting at $58,000, the R2 aims to reach mass market with lower-priced versions planned for 2027.
Rivian officially began delivering its R2 SUV to paying customers, marking a crucial milestone for the electric automaker's mass-market ambitions. CEO RJ Scaringe called the R2 "maybe the most important thing we've launched to date." Starting at $58,000, the vehicle offers a more affordable alternative to Rivian's R1 SUV. The company plans versions under $50,000 in 2027 and around $45,000 later that year. Rivian targets delivering 20,000-25,000 R2s by year-end, which would make it one of the fastest-scaling EV launches in U.S. history. Production is ramping at the Normal, Illinois factory, with a new Georgia facility coming online in late 2028. The launch comes amid weakened EV regulations under the Trump administration and reduced federal tax credits. Rivian has autonomous driving plans for the R2, including a $1.25 billion Uber partnership for up to 40,000 robotaxis.