Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe recently gave fans a sneak peek of the upcoming R2 SUV, which is expected to be called the R2S, during a Q&A session on Instagram. Scaringe was joined by Rivian Head of Design Jeff Hammoud as they stood in front of a full-size clay model of the crossover in the design studio. Although there isn’t much to see, it’s clear that the vehicle will be significantly smaller than the R1S, with a short front overhang and simulated cladding. The vehicle gives off a Land Rover Defender vibe, but this could change once the sheet comes off.
Scaringe also dropped a few hints about the cabin by visiting the Colors, Materials, and Finishes lab. Unfortunately, this segment wasn’t very revealing as it only suggested the model may be offered with some earthy tones. The rest of the series was similarly vague, but Scaringe showed a two-tone R1S and said they’re making progress on ramping up production. In particular, quarterly production numbers should grow and help the automaker to eventually become profitable.
During the Q&A session, Scaringe also talked about Tank Turn, which was something the automaker planned to do early on and famously released a video of. However, over the last year and a half or so, Rivian has come to the conclusion that the feature could easily be abused and destroy trails. Scaringe went on to say Tank Turn didn’t feel right with the “way we approach respecting the trails.” Needless to say, that’s a weird message as it’s essentially saying ‘we don’t trust our customers.’
The R2S is expected to be a smaller electric SUV and pickup truck that will be released in 2026. It is part of Rivian’s plan to offer a range of electric vehicles that cater to different needs and lifestyles. The R2S is expected to be more affordable than the R1S, which is Rivian’s flagship electric SUV that starts at $70,000.
Rivian is a relatively new automaker that was founded in 2009. The company has received significant investment from Amazon and Ford, which has helped it to develop its electric vehicles. Rivian’s first electric vehicle, the R1T pickup truck, is expected to be released later this year, followed by the R1S SUV. The R1T and R1S are expected to have a range of up to 400 miles on a single charge and will be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds.
Rivian’s electric vehicles are designed to be rugged and capable of handling off-road terrain. The company has developed a unique skateboard platform that houses the battery pack, electric motors, suspension, and other components. This platform can be used for different types of vehicles, which helps Rivian to save costs and streamline production.
Rivian has received a lot of attention for its electric vehicles, which are seen as a potential rival to Tesla. However, Rivian’s approach is different from Tesla’s as it focuses on building electric vehicles for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. Rivian’s electric vehicles are designed to be practical and capable of handling different types of terrain, which makes them ideal for camping trips, road trips, and other outdoor activities.
In addition to its electric vehicles, Rivian is also developing charging infrastructure that will make it easier for customers to charge their vehicles on the go. Rivian plans to install charging stations at popular outdoor destinations, such as national parks and campsites. This will help to alleviate range anxiety and make it easier for customers to use their electric vehicles for outdoor adventures.
Overall, Rivian’s electric vehicles are generating a lot of buzz in the automotive industry. The R2S is expected to be a more affordable and practical electric SUV that will appeal to a wider range of customers. With the backing of Amazon and Ford, Rivian is well-positioned to become a major player in the electric vehicle market.