Rivian Debuts New Electric SUVs

March 8, 2024

Rivian has announced the debut of three new models to their electric fleet, each focused on providing a more affordable electric option  with pricing expected to be signficantly less than Rivian’s current R1S and R1T vehicles.

According to the company, the R2 is slated for production in 2026. No pricing, specifications, or production timetable were detailed for the surprise R3 and R3X models, although Rivian’s CEO said the R3 and R3X were essentially based on the same basic platform as the R2 and will also feature a five door format. Scaringe, Rivian’s CEO, did say the R3 will be five inches shorter than the R2.

Features of the new R2 model include options for a single 2WD version, plus AWD dual or triple-electric motor powertrains and up to 330 miles of range on the base battery pack. No exact horsepower, torque figures, or battery pack sizes for any of the new cars were specified at the reveal or on Rivian’s website. However, it has been said per Rivian all models would have “at least” 300 miles of range.

The base configuration of the R2 will seat five with a generous cargo area behind the seats – and under the hood since there is no gas engine in the car. In fact, Rivian says the front trunk area has been specifically designed to be more spacious and useful.

Rivian says the R2 will be able to charge at both “non-Tesla” J1772 Level 2 and CCS DC Level 3 high-voltage chargers, as well as Tesla’s NACS terminals, which are fast becoming the industry standard in the U.S. and the EU. It was also announced there will be a Rivian Adventure Network of chargers but has also been noted that the cars would be compliant with Tesla’s chargers. According to Rivian, 90% of EV owners charge at home due to the lack of chargers, but public chargers are still important to implement.

Noted special features include a powered rear glass window that allows for simplified access to the rear cargo area, while the R3 has both a liftback and a powered liftable rear window that can then “close” and lock to a preset position to accommodate surfboards, SUPs, and other oversize cargo.

Rivian has also indicated vehicle-based adventuring is in mind for all of the new vehicles and said an integrated rooftop tent and rear-mounted kitchen module that runs off the cars’ battery pack is in the works. A slide briefly showed a rooftop tent on the R2. Rivian also says the R2 fold-down seats were designed to allow for an in-car sleeping mattress above the wheel well level.

There was also the unexpected surprise by revealing the smaller R3, followed by the reveal of the R3X, a clearly more off-road capable variant of the R3 with more ground clearance, aggressive tires, tow hooks, and what appears to be a utilitarian interior.

No specifics regarding performance or other specifications were released for the R3 models; however, the R3 looks to be influenced by others in the smaller CUV segment and will most likely appeal to those customers once it becomes available.

OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure