Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced the launch of its latest midsize platform, unveiling two highly anticipated vehicles: the R2 and R3. These new offerings promise to deliver a blend of performance, capability, and affordability to the electric vehicle market.
Photo: Rivian
The R2 and R3 are built on an all-new midsize vehicle platform designed to optimize performance, range, and cost efficiency. Rivian’s proprietary technology, including its drive unit platform and network architecture, ensures seamless hardware and software integration, providing enhanced autonomous capabilities and facilitating frequent software updates.
Photo: Rivian
The R2, Rivian’s all-new midsize SUV, is designed to cater to both adventurous spirits and everyday commuters. With a focus on versatility, the R2 boasts a distinctive silhouette and features a powered rear glass that can fully drop into the liftgate, allowing for easy transportation of various gear and providing a unique open-air driving experience. The interior is designed with user convenience, incorporating premium and sustainable materials that are inviting and easy to clean. Additionally, the R2 offers flexible seating arrangements, with both first and second-row seats folding completely flat to accommodate additional cargo or facilitate car camping adventures.
Photo: Rivian
On the other hand, the R3 is a midsize crossover that prioritizes performance, off-road capability, passenger comfort, and storage. For those seeking even more dynamic capabilities, the R3X variant offers enhanced performance both on and off the road. Despite its compact dimensions, the R3 delivers a spacious and inviting interior while maintaining Rivian’s iconic design language.
Photo: Rivian
Both the R2 and R3 will be available with two battery sizes. The larger pack offers over 480 km of range on a single charge and rapid acceleration, achieving zero to 100 km/h in under three seconds for the quickest configuration.
Photo: Rivian
RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s Founder and CEO, expressed his excitement about the launch of the new products, emphasizing their performance, capability, and affordability. He highlighted the company’s focus on innovation in both product features and manufacturing processes to achieve lower costs, making electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience.Jeff Hammoud, Rivian’s Chief Design Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining its product attributes while making its offerings accessible to a larger audience. The design of the R2 prioritizes adventure, space, and refined touches, ensuring a premium driving experience at an affordable price point.
Photo: Rivian
To facilitate the launch of the R2, Rivian plans to start production at its existing facility in Normal, Illinois. This decision is expected to reduce capital requirements and production risks. It aligns with the company’s goal of improving capital efficiency and expanding its production capacity to meet growing demand.
Photo: Rivian
The chances of Rivian coming to the Philippines seem very slim at the moment. Still, with the growing popularity of EVs locally, there could be an untapped market for Rivian there.
