Rivian CEO says R2 is ‘worlds completely different’ than the Tesla Mannequin Y

Rivian’s next-gen EV is drawing comparisons to Tesla’s best-selling Mannequin Y. Nevertheless, in response to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, its upcoming R2 might be “worlds completely different” than the Tesla Mannequin Y. Its R3 might be much more distinctive, with few prefer it in the marketplace.

Scaringe made waves in March after revealing Rivian’s next-gen R2 and R3 autos. Rivian’s R1T and R1S established the model as a real premium EV participant, however its R2 is anticipated to take it to attract a good larger crowd.

Beginning at $45,000, Rivian’s R2 is priced just below the common new automobile within the US. In accordance with the newest Kelley Blue Guide knowledge, the ATP of a brand new automobile within the US was $48,644 in June.

Though many media retailers are highlighting a “slowdown” within the US electrical automobile market, EV gross sales are nonetheless rising.

Many automakers had double-digit EV gross sales progress within the US within the second quarter in comparison with 2023.

Electrical automobile gross sales had been up over 11% YOY and 23% from the primary quarter, with a file quantity of 330,463 fashions in Q2. In accordance with KBB estimates, EVs accounted for about 8% of latest automobile gross sales.

Regardless of this, Scaringe mentioned a “lack of selection” is holding the market again. Though Rivian’s CEO identified that EV gross sales are rising sooner than the common, extra availability would assist increase demand. That’s the place Rivian’s R2 and R3 are available.

Rivian says R2 and R3 will differ from Tesla Mannequin Y

On MotorTrend’s InEVitable podcast Thursday, Scaringe famous there are only a few selections in the marketplace. For instance, consumers on the lookout for a mid-size electrical SUV have “perhaps two or three good selections.”

A type of is the Tesla Mannequin Y, Rivian’s CEO mentioned. Scaringe clarified that there are few “compelling” choices beneath $50,000.

In accordance with Scaringe, most rivals are “following the chief,” releasing Tesla Mannequin Y rivals that find yourself being worse variations.

Rivian seems to be to alter that with its R2. Scaringe mentioned the Rivian R2 might be distinctive from Tesla’s top-seller.

Scaringe added though it’s “barely smaller” than the Mannequin Y, “its potential to carry out as an SUV is worlds completely different than a Tesla Mannequin Y.”

He defined, “You’ll be able to truly take it off-road, you possibly can take it via a river mattress, you are able to do the stuff you count on from an SUV.”

And that’s simply the beginning

And that’s simply with R2. With R3, Scaringe defined, “It’s a tough press to search out one thing that you can evaluate it to.” The R3 has the guts of a rally automobile and spectacular floor clearance (220 mm) for its measurement.

Then, there’s the tri-motor R3X, which Scaringe boasted “it’s madness.” In accordance with Scaringe, the R3X will pull consumers from stuff you wouldn’t count on, like hypercars. You’ll be able to watch the total interview beneath.

Rivian’s Vice President of Manufacturing Tim Fallon mentioned final month throughout its third annual Household and Buddies Day at its Regular, IL plant that R2 orders are “effectively over 100,000” and climbing.

Rivian is planning to start constructing R2 fashions in early 2026 in Regular. By then, capability is anticipated to achieve 215,000, up from round 150,000. The R2 will account for essentially the most output, with round 155,000. In the meantime, R1T and R1S output might be round 85,000.

Scaringe mentioned that though Rivian has no plans for robotaxis, the R2 platform helps Autonomy like Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD).

Rivian’s R1 autos will proceed enhancing via software program updates, however R2 has “a lot headroom” with superior tech to make it higher over time.