$45,000 Rivian R2 Will Power Homes With New Bidirectional Charging Technology

Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV, set to start at $45,000, will feature technology that allows it to power an entire home. The new Energy Management Control Module enables vehicle-to-home (V2H) capability, letting the R2 act as a mobile energy storage unit. This innovation comes as Rivian prepares to launch production of the model at its Normal, Illinois factory next year.

New control module brings full bidirectional capability

At the core of the R2’s new energy system is a large electronic control module located behind the battery pack. It combines several functions, including a bidirectional charger that can both draw electricity from the grid and send it back to power a home. By transforming alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), and vice versa, the R2 can serve as an energy hub during power outages or peak-rate periods.

Rivian says the feature could unlock gigawatt-hours of stored energy across its growing fleet, potentially creating a cost-effective power solution for owners. The SUV will ship with a Tesla-style NACS charge port in the U.S., while a CCS2 variant is planned for European markets, according to InsideEVs. This positions the R2 to compete directly with Ford and GM, both of which already offer V2H-compatible systems. Rivian will also begin selling its long-awaited bidirectional home charger, which will work with the R1S and R1T models.

New 4695 battery cells and domestic production plans

The R2 will debut Rivian’s next-generation 4695 cylindrical cells, sourced initially from LG. These cells deliver six times the energy of the 2170 units used in the R1 series, improving both efficiency and potential driving range. Rivian is targeting around 300 miles per charge, though final battery capacities remain undisclosed.

To support supply chain resilience and domestic content goals, Rivian plans to shift cell production to the U.S. by 2027, establishing a dedicated battery facility in Arizona. The combination of affordable pricing, advanced energy features, and localized manufacturing could make the R2 a breakthrough product for Rivian as it aims to scale toward profitability.

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