More R2 models coming and R2X possible says RJ Scaringe (Reuters News)

[Jeremy3292]

Rivian has stated many times in the past that they will keep the R1T and R1S as their halo vehicles. They will evolve for sure, but they aren't going away.

Tesla said the same thing yet here we are. Doesn't make sense to keep $100k MSRP vehicles when their technology is always behind and the market is tiny. It won't be overnight but by the start of the 2030s they'll be on the way out. Doesn't make sense for Rivian to pour resources into the R1 line to upgrade them either when the R2/R3 will be their cash cows like the 3/Y was for Tesla. The playbook has been played already on this.

Sponsored

 

[sparked]

So probably in a future phase 2 expansion of Georgia with their own money after the first phase build out for R2 and R3. I'm guessing future variants with that timeline are for 2030.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

They should work on making the already-announced variants available first.

What makes you think they’ve been sitting on their thumbs, on a beach in the Bahamas? The reason other trims are not in production is economics. Higher trims have higher profit margins. Always. If you want your business to have better chance of success, you have to prioritize income ahead of additional expenditures. Elementary.

As for X and T variants… The trims already announced reflect the majority of the midsize segment. These will have to sell exceptionally well for X and T to have a business case. That is why RJ is noncommittal with his comment. The backlash of having to potentially retract an announcement would be too damaging. As CEO he is exhibiting discipline and understanding of his responsibilities. And that is a good thing to see.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Rivian has stated many times in the past that they will keep the R1T and R1S as their halo vehicles. They will evolve for sure, but they aren't going away.

And… They would never kill the R1 unless high dollar full size SUVs and truck fall out of favor with consumers to the point where they become unprofitable… like Model S and X. And there are no market indicators to give legs to that forecast. None. Not a serious speculation.

 

[loqueid]

I would love a true off-roading, rock-climbing Rivian, closer to the Grand Cherokee. And the R3 variant more like a Renegade or tiny Suzuki.

But I'd also like to see a "work-truck" variant of the R1T. Take out the luxury materials, remove the overhead glass, extend the bed and/or remove the extended cab, remove air suspension.

 

[loqueid]

Tesla said the same thing yet here we are. Doesn't make sense to keep $100k MSRP vehicles when their technology is always behind and the market is tiny. It won't be overnight but by the start of the 2030s they'll be on the way out. Doesn't make sense for Rivian to pour resources into the R1 line to upgrade them either when the R2/R3 will be their cash cows like the 3/Y was for Tesla. The playbook has been played already on this.

Rivian will NEVER stop making the R1S or R1T. It's more likely that they'll stop building them if they're taken over than stopping by choice.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I would love a true off-roading, rock-climbing Rivian, closer to the Grand Cherokee. And the R3 variant more like a Renegade or tiny Suzuki.

But I'd also like to see a "work-truck" variant of the R1T. Take out the luxury materials, remove the overhead glass, extend the bed and/or remove the extended cab, remove air suspension.

Rivian would never offer a decontented version of their FLAGSHIP product to appeal to a small group of potential buyers and devalue said flagship in the process.

Same reason you would never see a stripped down G-wagon or S-class taxi in the US.

If they do offer a stripped truck for commercial sales only… it would have to look different and be a different model to avoid negative impact to R1’s flagship status. A simple solution exists: They could simply make a flat bed version of the EDV and leave the rest to upfitters. And the EDV shares around 70% of parts with R1. It’d be a low effort and low cost execution.

 

[Ralph]

They should work on making the already-announced variants available first.

Yeah, they are probably not doing that.....

 

[Jeremy3292]

Rivian will NEVER stop making the R1S or R1T. It's more likely that they'll stop building them if they're taken over than stopping by choice.

Lol ok. $100k vehicle low volume market that are not profitable and lose money. Sure they'll never stop making those.

 

[Nadus]

Not to be that guy, but I've been saying this since RJ spoke at the earnings call. But people keep telling me he was only talking about trim levels, not new form factors. I guess time will tell, but it sure sounded like they were planning something like an R2T.

 

[macb00kemdanno]

R2T! R2T! R2T! R2T!

(Not that I personally need a smaller truck, I just think it would be good for Rivian to have something to compete against the truck that Ford will introduce at some point...)

How would a hypothetical R2T even work? The 4.5-foot bed on the R1T is already super short for a vehicle that size. The only way I could see it working is if it had a Chevy Avalanche-style "midgate" that allows you to fold down the rear seats and the back of the cab to fit longer items.

 

[Nadus]

How would a hypothetical R2T even work? The 4.5-foot bed on the R1T is already super short for a vehicle that size. The only way I could see it working is if it had a Chevy Avalanche-style "midgate" that allows you to fold down the rear seats and the back of the cab to fit longer items.

The R2 is longer than the Slate truck and much longer than the Telo truck, which both have working prototypes of trucks that people want to buy. As you alluded to, the Telo does use a drop-down midgate to be able to fit 4x8 sheets of plywood in the bed without sticking out the back.

 

[Ralph]

Tesla said the same thing yet here we are. Doesn't make sense to keep $100k MSRP vehicles when their technology is always behind and the market is tiny. It won't be overnight but by the start of the 2030s they'll be on the way out. Doesn't make sense for Rivian to pour resources into the R1 line to upgrade them either when the R2/R3 will be their cash cows like the 3/Y was for Tesla. The playbook has been played already on this.

Not everything should be viewed through the Tesla lens.

I believe RJ understands and truly believes that options are important. He has emphasized this many times. A need for a mid-size pickup and "full size SUV" will continue to exist.

There are few reasons they can't support an updated R1T/S well into the future. But those 3rd gen products will likely be quite different. A lot depends on the competitive market, as well as battery and charging tech. Their autonomous plans might come into play as well.

As you say, it well be 2030 or so before we the public get any sense for how this market develops for Rivian and the EV industry as a whole.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Not to be that guy, but I've been saying this since RJ spoke at the earnings call. But people keep telling me he was only talking about trim levels, not new form factors. I guess time will tell, but it sure sounded like they were planning something like an R2T.

The planning and design likely is already done. The crux of it is decision to execute. And if they are wise, they are waiting and observing to see how the midsize truck market shapes up in the coming years. And it’s no secret that Ford’s been working on one. Also not a secret that RJ and his father has many connections in Detroit.

Again, if you run a business and want it to be successful, you must prioritize income over expenditures—and avoid spending into oblivion. It costs money to make products. Lots more to make new ones.

It’s also no secret that SUVs outsell everything else. Committing lots of capital to make something just because you want it personally is not a business plan. It’s a wish. Not a business strategy.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The R2 is longer than the Slate truck and much longer than the Telo truck, which both have working prototypes of trucks that people want to buy. As you alluded to, the Telo does use a drop-down midgate to be able to fit 4x8 sheets of plywood in the bed without sticking out the back.

No way I would want to be in a crash while driving or riding in the Telo.

Sponsored