R2 Deliveries of 20,000 to 25,000 Expected for 2026

[sparked]

InsideEvs Article: Rivian Targets 20,000 To 25,000 R2 Deliveries This Year

On Thursday, the carmaker shared its rough volume expectations for the R2’s first year on the market. On Rivian’s fourth quarter earnings call, CFO Claire McDonough said the company aims to deliver 62,000-67,000 vehicles across its portfolio in 2026. She added that Rivian’s R1T, R1S and commercial van volumes will be roughly in line with last year’s numbers, which came in at a little over 42,000 units.

That means the R2 is expected to drive Rivian's growth in 2026. Some simple math leaves us with an implied 20,000 to 25,000 units for the R2.

Rivian basically confirmed the expected slow ramp up for R2 in 2026 as they line up the factory and global supply chain.

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[SANZC02]

InsideEvs Article: Rivian Targets 20,000 To 25,000 R2 Deliveries This Year



Rivian basically confirmed the expected slow ramp up for R2 in 2026 as they line up the factory and global supply chain.

Interesting, I listened to the earnings call and did not hear that split out for R1 and EDV. There were some issues that paused the call a couple of times, maybe I need to go back and listen again.

 

[A_E]

20k R2 over 6 months tells me the “launch editions” will be priced higher than I originally thought.

MMW these will be $65k each. Maybe 60-65k if there are any options to adjust price.

 

[sparked]

20k R2 over 6 months tells me egress “launch editions” will be priced higher than I originally thought.

MMW these will be $65k each. Maybe 60-65k if there are any options to adjust price.

Yeah all dual motor performance with large pack. But weirdly RJ says the $45k will come "shortly therafter" almost implying there is not a long delay. Maybe there aren't going to be a ton of launch editions? Like 5k to 10k Launch Editions just like the R1?

RJ's comments were towards the end of the CNBC interview @ 1 minute 27 seconds:

 

[A_E]

Yeah all dual motor performance with large pack. But weirdly RJ says the $45k will come "shortly therafter" almost implying there is not a long delay. Maybe there aren't going to be a ton of launch editions? Like 5k to 10k Launch Editions just like the R1?

RJ's comments were towards the end of the CNBC interview @ 1 minute 27 seconds:

lol no…they will only deliver launch editions in 26. Put this in context, they sell 40-50k R1 vehicles a year. They will easily be able to sell 20k R2 at 65k.

Once they retire the launch edition, which my guess wont be until they sell 50k plus, they will start selling dual motors for a long time. It’s a toss up which comes first, the tri or the single motor.

 

[blipit]

Yeah all dual motor performance with large pack. But weirdly RJ says the $45k will come "shortly therafter" almost implying there is not a long delay. Maybe there aren't going to be a ton of launch editions? Like 5k to 10k Launch Editions just like the R1?

RJ's comments were towards the end of the CNBC interview @ 1 minute 27 seconds:

Interesting response to the $45k question. RJ starts talking about the Launch Spec...he say its Perf Dual-motor with a premium interior.

Why would he say it like that? Is the $45k base model going to have less premium materials/features?

 

[Thedude]

Why would he say it like that? Is the $45k base model going to have less premium materials/features?

That would make sense, base model vehicles typically have a less premium interior.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

20k R2 over 6 months tells me the “launch editions” will be priced higher than I originally thought.

MMW these will be $65k each. Maybe 60-65k if there are any options to adjust price.

I hope they don’t creep past $60K. I feel like the price and range are going to be an issue with the launch edition or they would have lead with those specs. The competition is heating up at this price point, especially with models like the BMW iX3.

There are also people who have it in there head that the $45K trim is going to be the one to get. It will be a single-motor RWD with a cheaper interior and a sub-300-mile range (probably 270). If that meets your needs then great, but it’s not what some are expecting.

 

[captainjp]

Why would he say it like that? Is the $45k base model going to have less premium materials/features?

Absolutely

 

[Dark-Fx]

Interesting response to the $45k question. RJ starts talking about the Launch Spec...he say its Perf Dual-motor with a premium interior.

Why would he say it like that? Is the $45k base model going to have less premium materials/features?

Yes. See what Rivian originally planned for the less expensive R1 Explore interior. It's also going to be only a single motor with the smallest battery.

 

[mkg3]

Interesting, I listened to the earnings call and did not hear that split out for R1 and EDV. There were some issues that paused the call a couple of times, maybe I need to go back and listen again.

Clare said they expect the similar delivery numbers for R1s and EDVs as 2025. So if you subtract roughly 42K from 62~67k, you get to the 20~25K number.

One other thing was that the second shift they talked about initiates in late 2026 and as they exist the year, the second shift is not at full capacity.

Both of these comments came during the Q&A.

 

[skyguyscott]

So, because there was so much early PR promising the $45K price point for the R2, if that base model is not available at R2 launch or shortly thereafter, there will be cries of bait & switch and Rivian's brand reputation will take a hit, especially in this new era of "affordability."

I know there is a pent up demand of unknown proportions out there waiting for the R2. Everyone wants something fabulous at a cheap price, but that is impossible, short of current Chinese EV imports which are not yet available in USA. You can have fabulous, or you can have cheap, pick one.

RJ has decided to make the launch edition fabulous. But RJ also touted the R2 being at the affordable $45K price point -- too bad, you will have to wait for that cheaper model, sorry. How long will you have to wait? Crickets. What about all this Lidar you are so excited about? Not yet. When? Soon.

This balancing of answers for the customer base vs. shareholders isn't an easy one to manage.

 

[Rade]

I would LOVE to see the price of the absolute base model come in under the $45k price point. Just sayin'.

 

[blipit]

Yes. See what Rivian originally planned for the less expensive R1 Explore interior. It's also going to be only a single motor with the smallest battery.

Makes sense, similar to Tesla "standard" models. Could even have some sort of cloth seats and have heated seats only. A stereo with less speakers. I could see features like adaptive suspension also not on $45k model. Upgraded suspension being Performance pack only. Software could be paired down, less drive modes since it will be RWD. A lot of features could be removed to meet that $45k price point.

Price between Launch Ed(dual-motor Performance) and base model could be larger than I thought.

 

[evguy]

Reading the tea leaves, here's my stab at starting prices and timeline:
Base (RWD, standard pack): $44,990 (deliveries begin late 2026 or 1H 2027)
Launch Edition (dual motor, large pack): $52,990 (deliveries begin April/May 2026)
Tri: $59,990 (deliveries begin late 2026 or 1H 2027)

Wouldn't surprise me if Base and Tri trims don't appear until Gen 3 hardware with lidar is ready.

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