The R2 will be a smaller, more road-biased SUV from the American EV firm.
The Rivian R2 has been kept under wraps during its development phase, although we still have a good idea how it’ll look if it follows the bold form of the existing Rivian R1S SUV and the R1T pick-up truck. We expect that, in essence, the R2 will be a shortened version of the R1S SUV with a similarly eye-catching light signature at the front and a rather blocky design language throughout.
Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe, previously stated there are plans to build the R2 at its plant in the US. In a recent letter to shareholders, Rivian also spoke of the new R2 platform which will underpin the new SUV.
Given that it uses a new platform, it’s unclear if the R2 will use the batteries offered in the R1S. With the expected size difference between the models, the R1’s 105kWh battery pack may be offered, but the 135kWh and 180kWh units are probably too large. Still, even with the dual-motor, all-wheel drive set up, the R2 should be able to offer over 480km of range, given that the heavier R1S can muster 418km with the 105kWh battery.
The R1S SUV and R1 truck have been available in the US for several years now, but it looks unlikely we’ll receive these models in Australia anytime soon.