Rivian’s upcoming R2 electric SUV is already set to become the automaker’s most important product, offering a lower-cost option for potential buyers, but Rivian may also be using it to launch a family of vehicles built on the same platform.According to recent reports and comments from CEO RJ Scaringe, Rivian is developing other variants of the R2 beyond the midsize SUV, which is set to launch this year. The company has not officially confirmed the reports, but Scaringe did say that “there are other variants of R2, which we haven’t shown.”Among the obvious possibilities are a pickup version, to mirror the pattern of the original Rivian R1, and a more performance-oriented model. Scaringe did not confirm either but did suggest the platform was designed to be flexible, saying the company’s future manufacturing setup “allows for different variations.” The first Rivian platform spun off both the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Extending that strategy to the R2 would be a natural move and could give Rivian a more competitive lineup as it looks to move beyond its niche status.The upcoming Rivian R2.The R2 itself is already a pivotal vehicle for the company. Starting around $55,000 at launch, the automaker says it is planning to follow shortly with a lower-cost version targeting roughly $45,000. That makes the R2 significantly more affordable than Rivian’s current models and aimed squarely at the heart of the US EV market. Performance versions are expected to deliver as much as 656 horsepower, while lower trims will emphasize range and cost. The timing of the expanded lineup is unknown, though Rivian is already ramping up production of the R2 at its Illinois plant; customer deliveries are expected to begin this summer. The R3X concept.Future expansion could also depend on Rivian’s planned Georgia factory, which is designed to support higher production volumes and multiple vehicle variants. The potential addition of an R2 pickup would be especially notable, given the popularity of trucks in the US market and Rivian’s existing reputation with the R1T. And a performance-focused R2 would follow the template set by the R3X concept, appealing to buyers looking for more capability and excitement in an EV. Autoweek SOC EV Newsletter sign up
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