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Rivian debuts new all-electric SUVs: Make or break for U.S. company

In a real "You get a car!" Oprah moment, EV maker Rivian surprised the automotive press last week by unveiling not one but three new competitively priced and very versatile models: the R2 SUV, smaller R3 crossover, and the R3X performance variant -- all built on its new midsize platform. They are boxy, cool, and uber utilitarian, and they may well define and decide this sink-or-swim moment for Rivian in the EV marketplace.

Rivian R2.

 

 

A lot of key details were not released at the big reveal, but here is what we know so far.

The R2 is about 185 in. long (similar to a Honda CR-V), while the R3 is about 5 in. shorter.

The silhouettes and faces of the R2, R3, and R3X are distinctly Rivian (although we think the R3X especially has some real mid-1970s, souped-up AMC Gremlin vibes when viewed in profile). The R2 is the five-seater little brother of Rivian's full-size, seven-passenger R1S, which was the seventh best-selling EV in the United States last year according to electrek, and even outsold the Tesla Model X and Ford F-150 Lightning pickup. The Irvine, CA-based company's R1T pickup has been selling well too (although short of Wall Street expectations), but according to MotorTrend, Rivian "lost $32,595 for every vehicle it sold" in Q2 2023 due to high production costs attributed to its "complicated skateboard chassis." Hopefully, the new midsize platform can turn that ship around.

The new platform consolidates and eliminates parts thanks to intelligent design, including the use of high-pressure die castings, a structural battery unit where the top of the pack also serves as the floor, and closure systems that dramatically reduce complexity. R2 and R3 also utilize Rivian's drive unit platform and internally developed network architecture, computer topology, and software stack.

Pricing is an important element in the latest Rivian releases, so we will get that out of the way up front. The R2 is expected to start around $45,000, and R3 will be priced below R2, making Rivian vehicles more accessible to more people. R2 is available to reserve today in the U.S. for $100, with deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2026. R3 and R3X deliveries will start after R2, to ensure a smooth launch and rapid ramp-up of R2 -- a lesson learned from Rivian's simultaneous and trying launch of R1T, R1S, and EDV about five years ago.

R2's four passenger windows and rear powered glass drop fully, and the powered rear quarter windows vent (very old school!), creating a unique open-air driving experience. With R3, its hatch-style design maximizes space while keeping a sporty and athletic silhouette.

With an extreme focus on rear passenger legroom, even long trips in R2 and R3 are comfortable. With the seats folding completely flat, ample-size front and rear trunks, and additional interior storage, there is space for everyone and all their gear.

On the R2, the interior is designed for ease of use and comes off as sparse but functional. Rivian's new steering wheel with integrated haptic control dials makes it easier to stay focused on the road ahead. The SUV sports a combination of inviting design and premium, sustainable materials that are easy to clean. R2 also features first- and second-row seating that folds completely flat for gear, cargo, and even car camping.

Rivian R3.

 

 

Rivian's R3 is a midsize crossover that is "tidy on dimensions but delivers big in terms of performance, off-road capability, passenger comfort, and storage." R3X is a performance variant of R3 that will offer even more dynamic abilities both on and off road.

R2 and R3 will feature two battery sizes. The larger pack is aimed at achieving more than 300 miles of range on a single charge and offers 0- to 60-mph acceleration in under 3 sec. for the quickest powertrain configuration.

Other R2 and R3 highlights from the reveal include:

  • Three Motor Variants: Leveraging Rivian's in-house drive unit platform and technology, there will be Single-Motor (RWD), Dual-Motor (AWD), and Tri-Motor (two motors in rear and one in front) configurations.
  • Structural Battery: Utilizes an all-new 4,695-cell unit that offers significant improvements in energy density and output, estimated to deliver over 300 miles of range on a single charge for both R2 and R3.
  • Fast Charging: DC fast charging is compatible with both NACS (native) and CCS (with adapter), charging from 10% to 80% in less than 30 min.
  • Self Driving: Utilizing Rivian's new perception stack featuring 11 cameras, five radars, and a more powerful compute platform, R2 and R3 should provide dramatically enhanced autonomous capabilities.
  • Ever-Expanding and Improving Features:Rivian has also developed its network architecture, computer topology, and associated full software platform to facilitate frequent software updates.

Rivian R3X.

 

 

Feeling short on more details? We are too. We will update when we have new specs.

Learn more at rivian.com. You can reserve an R2 at rivian.com/R2.

Source: Rivian

Published March 2024

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