Should you have been apprehensive that the Rivian R2 would significantly compromise driving distance resulting from its smaller measurement and value, you may loosen up.
Rivian Boards members have found that the U.S. Environmental Safety Company (EPA) has formally estimated the R2 Efficiency Launch Bundle mannequin’s vary at 335 miles, or barely forward of the preliminary 330-mile determine introduced in March.
Testing requirements vs. the competitors
All-wheel drive commonplace
This preliminary mannequin produces 656 horsepower via twin motors, comes with all-wheel drive as commonplace, and runs on 21-inch all-season wheels. The electrical SUV additionally is not anticipated to sacrifice charging speeds. The EPA estimates the R2 will probably be able to 217kW DC quick charging, a determine roughly on par with the R1S and R1T.
As Electrek cautions, Rivian may need achieved the feat by utilizing much less stringent testing requirements than a few of its opponents. You will not essentially see 335 miles in real-world circumstances.
Nevertheless, a spokesperson confirmed that the manufacturing Launch Bundle can have a warmth pump the place the EPA-tested mannequin used typical air con. You will not see as sharp a variety degradation in cooler climate.
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You’ll be able to go far with out overspending.
Rivian R2 vary could possibly be forward of its class
Some rivals could also be extra helpful, nevertheless
Credit score: Rivian
The vary doubtlessly places the $57,990 R2 launch version forward of different electrical SUVs in its value bracket, together with some trim ranges for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 (as much as 335 miles) and Chevy Blazer EV (at present as much as 312 miles).
Whereas Tesla’s Mannequin Y theoretically outperforms the R2 at 357 miles of most vary, that is just for the RWD Premium mannequin. Transferring to the AWD Premium places Tesla barely behind at 327 miles.
Some rivals could also be extra helpful. The Ioniq 9 is a three-row SUV the place the R2 has simply two rows, making the Korean EV higher for bigger households. Nevertheless, Rivian claims a 0-60MPH time of three.6 seconds for all R2 Efficiency variations. That is nicely forward of the Mannequin Y AWD Premium’s 4.6 seconds regardless of the purported vary benefit.
Pricing and availability
Early R2 clients will not have a lot selection however to purchase this most costly variant.
The $53,990 R2 Premium (450HP, 330 miles, and a 4.6-second 0-60MPH time) will not be prepared till late 2026, and the $48,490 R2 Normal (350HP, 345 miles, 5.9s 0-60MPH) is not due till the primary half of 2027.
Nonetheless, the EPA estimates bode nicely for Rivian, which is betting its long-term future on each the R2 in addition to the R3 hatchback.
Rivian has additionally obtained main latest investments, together with $1 billion from longtime accomplice Volkswagen and $500 million from Ford. Uber additionally cast a $1.25 billion partnership that may ultimately see the ridesharing large deploy self-driving R2 robotaxis.
