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R2
Photo: Lcaa9 · CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens commons.wikimedia.org)

R2

by RivianUS

DeployStage 4 of 5

Deliveries of launch editions started June 2026; cheaper trims follow into 2027.

Updated 9 Jun 2026Checked 25 Sep0 updates this week

Milestones

Next · R2 Standard trims
  1. R2 unveiled7 Mar 2024Complete.
  2. Volkswagen joint venture announcedJun 2024Complete.
  3. Employee deliveries beginApr 2026Complete.
  4. Public customer deliveries begin9 Jun 2026Complete.
  5. R2 Standard trimsTarget 2027Not yet reached.

Most important updates

  • 9 Jun 2026
  • 22 Apr 2026
  • 12 Mar 2026
  • 7 Nov 2024
  • 7 Mar 2024

Upcoming

  1. 2026R2 Premium dual-motor trim, due later in 2026 (next)
  2. 2027R2 Standard trims

Current obstacles

  • Ramp and costRivian must build R2 in high volume at a profit, which it has not yet managed with earlier models.

Physics limits

  • Batteries are heavy for their energyThe best Li-ion cells store about 250–300 Wh/kg, roughly 40x less than petrol. Range costs weight, and weight costs efficiency and money.
  • Cold slows battery chemistryBelow freezing, ions move sluggishly and cabin heating draws power, so winter range can fall 20–30%. Heat pumps help but can't remove the effect.

How it works

3 parts
A small cylindrical lithium-ion cell taken apart: rolled electrode sheets and the steel can. R2's LG 4695 cells share the design, far larger
A small cylindrical lithium-ion cell taken apart: rolled electrode sheets and the steel can. R2's LG 4695 cells share the design, far largerPhoto: RudolfSimon · CC BY-SA 3.0 (opens commons.wikimedia.org)
Electronics

Zonal computers

A few zonal computers each run everything in one area of the car, replacing many single-purpose control units and much of the wiring.

Battery

Structural pack, 4695 cells

LG-made 4695 cylindrical cells sit in a pack that forms part of the floor structure, saving weight and parts.

Drive

Dual-motor launch trim

The launch Performance model uses two motors for 656 hp and about 330 miles of range, per Rivian's figures.

Update log

5 updates

Tue 9 Jun

  • Major: BlogCommercial

Wed 22 Apr

  • Major: PressManufacturing

Thu 12 Mar

  • Minor: PressCommercial

Thu 7 Nov 2024

  • Minor: PressPartnership

Thu 7 Mar 2024

  • Major: PressHardware

About Rivian

The team behind R2

Rivian

Electric trucks, SUVs, delivery vans, R2

Rivian builds electric pickups, SUVs and Amazon delivery vans, and began delivering its cheaper mid-size R2 SUV in June 2026. It has a software and electronics joint venture with Volkswagen Group.

  • R2 is built in Normal, Illinois; public deliveries began on 9 June 2026.
  • Volkswagen committed up to $5.8B to a joint venture for Rivian's electronics and software.
  • Amazon is its largest business customer, buying electric delivery vans.

rivian.com (opens rivian.com)Company profile →

Founded
200917 yrs
Headquarters
United States
Status
Public
Listed
RIVN (opens google.com)NASDAQ
Valuation
public
Works in
VehiclesElectric cars
Coverage
1 program · 6 updateslatest 9 Jun 2026checked 25 Sep
Customers
Amazon (opens aboutamazon.com)
Partners
Volkswagen Group (opens volkswagen-group.com)
People
RJ Scaringe (opens en.wikipedia.org)Founder and CEO
Primer