Full Breakdown
Rivian Begins R2 SUV Deliveries, Pushing Toward Mass-Market EVs
6/10/2026, 1:52:19 PM
First Customer Handovers
On 9 June 2026 Rivian began delivering its midsize R2 electric SUV to reservation holders. The launch model, the R2 Performance with Launch Package, costs $57,990, delivers 656 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and offers up to 330 miles EPA range. Deliveries come from the Normal, Illinois plant.
Background & Market Context
Rivian’s first two models—the R1T pickup and R1S SUV—targeted a premium adventure market with prices above $70,000. The R2, unveiled in March 2024, is meant to broaden the brand’s reach and compete with mainstream EV SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, especially after the U.S. $7,500 EV tax credit was removed.
Official Statements & Responses
CEO RJ Scaringe said the R2 is designed to be cash-flow positive, with every trim—from a $45,000 entry model to the $58,000 performance version—projected to earn a gross margin. Rivian aims for 20,000–25,000 R2 deliveries this year and “hundreds of thousands” annually after Georgia plant, slated for late 2028, reaches capacity. Also highlighted a $1.25 billion Uber deal for up to 40,000 robotaxi R2s.
Criticism & Opposition
Shares fell about 5 % after Rivian announced a later launch for the $45,000 base model, though some reports noted a modest 1 % rise after the first deliveries. Critics cite the delayed entry-level pricing and a 2025 net loss of $3.6 billion, including a $6,000 per-vehicle loss in Q1, as signs that profitability hinges on high volume.
Data & Statistics
Pricing spans $57,990 for the Performance trim to $44,990 for the later Standard model. The R2 offers 656 hp, 609 lb-ft torque, 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and up to 330 miles EPA range. Rivian’s Normal plant builds 160,000 units annually; the Georgia plant will add up to 300,000. Rivian targets 20,000–25,000 R2 deliveries in 2026 and at least 62,000 total vehicles.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the entry-level price as $45,000, $44,990, or $45,000-$46,000, and delivery forecasts range from 20,000–25,000 R2s to a broader 62,000-vehicle target for 2026. Share-price reactions differ, with reports of both a 5 % dip and a 1 % rise. EPA range is cited as 330 miles by most, but one outlet reports 335 miles.
Verbatim Quotes
- “maybe the most important thing we’ve launched to date,” — RJ Scaringe, CEO, Rivian
- “When you build a company from scratch, everything is make or break. There is no company if things don't work,” — RJ Scaringe
- “Georgia brings the volume to generate the gross margin for the vehicle sales that covers everything,” — RJ Scaringe
- “This is a requirement. Every single vehicle is gross margin positive,” — RJ Scaringe
What’s Next
Rivian will launch the Premium trim in late 2026 and two Standard trims in 2027, including a sub-$45,000 model. The Georgia plant, slated for late 2028, will support R2 volume, the robotaxi platform, and future models such as the R3 crossover. Point-to-point autonomous driving is slated for limited release later 2026, with broader rollout in 2027.
