Rivian has released an exclusive video about the development of its upcoming electric compact crossover, the Rivian R2. The car will launch in 2026 and is targeted to have a starting price of $45,000. The Rivian R2 will compete directly with the Tesla Model Y, which is the best-selling vehicle in the world. Rivian believes that the R2 can sell better than the Model Y if the company can ramp up production quickly enough to meet demand.
This new video shows us the hard work behind the R2's design and technology. The video takes us to the studio where the R2 was conceived. Then, we see the lab where the R2's new Maximus motor is being built. Finally, the video takes us to the electric lab where Rivian is working on the vehicle's entire software and hardware stack.
The special thing about Rivian is that Rivian designs and develops most of its vehicles in-house. By doing this, the company doesn't have to make any compromises. They can also make changes to their vehicles very quickly. This approach also allows Rivian to license its technology to other companies.
However, one big part where Rivian does get outside help is the battery. For the R2, Rivian signed a deal with LG Energy Solution last year. Under the deal, Rivian will buy 4695 format (46-millimeter diameter and 95-millimeter height) cylindrical cells from LG Energy Solution. Volkswagen Group also plans to use Rivian's software and hardware stack in future electric vehicles.
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The R2 will be the first vehicle to be built on Rivian's next-generation MSP (Midsize Platform). This new platform is designed to offer flexibility and improved performance. In the R2, the platform will support single-, dual-, and tri-motor options. It will also offer a range of over 300 miles and a 10-80% charging time of less than 30 minutes. It will also have a high level of automated driving capability.
The R2 also marks the debut of Rivian's new Maximus motor. The motor is compact and highly efficient. According to the company, the Maximus motor is 40% more power-dense than the Enduro motor used in the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. It is also cheaper to manufacture. This innovation will help Rivian achieve its goals with the R2.
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Unlike the R1 line, which is mostly limited to North America, the R2 will be sold worldwide. The company has already confirmed that it will be sold in Europe after the initial North American launch, with more markets to follow. A smaller R3 is also in the works, which will include a beefier R3X variant. This is also for both local and global markets.
Rivian needs a big boost from this new vehicle. Sales of their R1 vehicles have declined in the first quarter of 2025. The company sold only 8,640 units in the first quarter, down 36% from last year. However, the figure was slightly better than the company's estimate, which was 8,000 units. Rivian still hopes to meet its full-year sales target, which is around 46,000 to 51,000 vehicles.
