Rivian CEO Shares First Details Of R2 Launch Edition

Rivian’s upcoming R2 Launch Edition will target a wider audience rather than the premium end of the market, CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed during the company’s latest earnings call. The first version of the midsize SUV will feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration and a well-appointed interior, but won’t be Rivian’s most expensive trim. Production is set to begin in 2026, with pricing starting at $45,000 before incentives.

Dual-motor focus balances affordability and performance

Scaringe described the R2 Launch Edition as striking “the sweet spot” between value and performance, emphasizing Rivian’s goal of appealing to as many customers as possible. “It’s well-appointed, but it’s not intended to be our most expensive version,” he said, adding that demand for the model remains exceptionally strong.

“We’re going to limit the number of variants that we’re building, and so we have a launch edition for the R2. And this is a classic challenge, because there’s thousands and thousands of people who are excited for R2. Some will want the most base version, the lowest-price version. Others are going to want the highest-end version,” Scaringe said.

Unlike many EV launches that start with premium editions, such as Tesla’s $100,000 Cybertruck Foundation Series or Lucid’s six-figure Gravity Grand Touring, Rivian plans to debut the R2 at a more accessible price point. The R2 will eventually be offered in single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations, with at least two battery sizes and over 300 miles of expected EPA-rated range, according to InsideEVs.

Rivian sets sights on 2026 debut and R2 event unveiling

Rivian plans to reveal full R2 specs, pricing tiers, and trim options at a dedicated event in early 2026. Scaringe said the company will limit the number of initial variants to simplify production before gradually introducing additional versions at both higher and lower price levels.

The $45,000 starting price represents a significant shift for Rivian, whose current models, the R1S and R1T, start around $70,000 and often sell for closer to $100,000. With the R2, Rivian hopes to replicate the mass-market success of Tesla’s Model Y, expanding its reach beyond early adopters to mainstream EV buyers.

If the strategy works, the R2 could become a pivotal product for Rivian’s long-term growth, delivering the company’s signature adventure-ready design at a more attainable price.

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