Rivian’s pricing the upcoming R2 electrical SUV equally to Tesla’s Mannequin Y

Rivian has had a number of fascinating weeks that included its alignment with huge legacy automakers to undertake Tesla’s North American Charging Commonplace (NACS) on future automobiles and a bit poaching of Tesla’s head of uncooked supplies. However underneath the radar is yet another shock: CarBuzz is reporting the rising EV firm revealed some pricing particulars final week on its upcoming R2 platform car.

The smaller-size SUV, constructed on the lower-cost R2 platform, will price from $40,000 to $60,000. That’s based on Rivian CFO Claire McDonough, who spoke eventually week’s Deutsche Financial institution convention. McDonough stated that it “creates a pleasant stretch for the model,” mentioning that the present R1 platform automobiles begin at round $73,000.

McDonough additionally shared that the R2 SUV “nonetheless maintains a few of that journey aesthetic” that the R1S has however factors out that the automaker must work on how one can make it extra inexpensive. “We’re spending loads of time within the studio on a few of these key trade-offs at the moment, however wanting to ensure it really has a few of that Rivian model essence embedded in it as nicely.”

Rivian’s R2 is sounding like a Tesla Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y second for the automaker. It’s going to borrow one of the best of the R1T and R1S (or comparatively, the Tesla Mannequin S and Mannequin X) and put it in a smaller and extra inexpensive car. And like Tesla, a part of the Rivian expertise above different automakers is usable and intuitive in-vehicle software program and general optimistic buyer opinion concerning the model.

“That’s the place I believe we’ll proceed to shine,” McDonough stated, additionally eluding that the R2 could share the “distinctive design aesthetic” of the R1 automobiles. “They’re very noticeable whenever you’re driving down the street.” The R1T and R1S have approachable pill-shaped headlights on a nonaggressive facade — it’s cute, even.

Lastly, McDonough additionally talked about that decreasing elements and provide prices goes to be a giant consider getting the R2 to a lower cost level. Rivian, as a younger firm, had huge struggles with provide chains over time and risked its status by making an attempt to extend costs on preorders, which it rolled again. “We’re ranging from a special place of negotiation,” McDonough stated.