A pickup variant of Rivian’s newest EV could beat Slate to the affordable electric pickup punch.Rivian is gearing up for its biggest launch of the year with the arrival of its affordable midsize R2 SUV. But the momentum apparently isn’t slowing down. Word has it that the automaker may expand its model range to offer several variants, including a pickup.Reuters got the scoop and heard Rivian could beat Slate to the affordable EV pickup punch with the R2. While it sounds amazing, it’s actually a move that isn’t too far-fetched.AdvertisementAdvertisementAfter all, Rivian did the same with its flagship R1S to create the R1T.The R2 party is only just getting startedThe Rivian R2 is generating a lot of buzz as the automaker’s more affordable, midsize SUV offering. - Credit: RivianDuring a recent press conference, Reuters sat down and spoke with CEO RJ Scaringe. The Rivian frontman was adamant that the R2’s launch strategy isn’t finished yet. In fact, far from it.According to Scaringe, “there are other variants of R2, which we haven’t shown,” he said to the outlet.The R2 might not be limited to just being an SUV. A pickup a la R1T could be next in line. - Credit: RivianDuring one of the R2’s most recent press conferences, executives played through a presentation. The presentation hinted at potential conceptual prospects with Rivian’s next big model, the R3. Despite referring to the R3, Scaringe used the new model to segue into the R2’s more impending possibilities, implying there’s much more to come.AdvertisementAdvertisementSuch hints include the possibility of a high-performance version of the R2, which may be modeled after the R3X Concept. The latter is a “rally-fied” high-performance off-road version of the R3 supposedly under development.We think an R2T pickup could be really neat. - Credit: RivianAdvertisementAdvertisementBut more importantly, the hints also included a pickup spinoff based on the R2. This suggests Rivian could be prepping an affordable pickup variant off the midsize model. It would be similar to what the company has done with the R1S and the R1T.Today, Rivian sells the R1S full-size three-row electric SUV. The R1T is basically the two-row pickup version of the same truck.An affordable premium pickup could put Slate and Scout on noticeSkepticism surrounding Slate is increasing as the company’s gone quiet in terms of its progress towards producing a sellable model. - Credit: Slate AutoWith the R2’s launch just around the corner, initial pricing details suggest a starting figure of around $45,000. Much of the R2’s allure surrounds its more affordable cost of entry, particularly compared to the R1 flagship’s starting point of around $80,000.Having a sub-$50,000 all-electric premium truck in the space definitely has prospective buyers abuzz, especially since EVs in general have commanded rather high initial purchase prices.Frustration is also brewing in the Scout world as the automaker’s facing dealer backlash and developmental woes. - Credit: ScoutOn the high end, a fully-loaded R2 Launch Edition will reportedly cost around $58,000. But most will likely land somewhere around the $50,000 mark.AdvertisementAdvertisementWith the R2 hitting its direct-to-consumer showrooms in the coming weeks and a potential pickup variant in the works, both prospects could really put the highly anticipated Scout and Slate trucks on notice. Both companies generated a lot of hype, but still have yet to deliver complete, sellable products.Rivian is hoping to replicate the success its had with its R1T pickup by doing the same spinoff move with the R2. - Credit: RivianBoth Scout and Slate have received some flak as of late due to going quiet. With little news from either brand, prospective buyers are wondering what’s going on.More specifically, many are curious as to where both companies stand with developing and finalizing their production models.About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.AdvertisementAdvertisement
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