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

[VandalSibs]

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.

It could be stretched out to have a longer bed (R1T is longer than R1S as a point of compairson). They could also remove the back row of seats like Slate.

Rivian has stated that the Mid Size platform is supposed to be adjustable in lengths and that seems to be the case considering that R3 is set to be quite a bit shorter than R2.

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[blipit]

R2X trim will likely take a big hit to range.

 

[lefkonj]

R2 with Tri-motor, air suspension for about 80k would be killer.

 

[mkg3]

RJ has stated that there will be variants for at least a year, if not more. Was said in various interviews. Why the news now?? It was never a speculation - question of when, not if.

As market conditions and preferences change, Rivian needs to be agile enough to use the platform for other models.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

R2 with Tri-motor, air suspension for about 80k would be killer.

And a exterior body that is more rugged—has more durable recycled plastic panels than metal. Designed and built with true adventure intent, not just words. R1 is amazingly capable, but also quite fragile and costly to repair.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

I could totally see them making an R2T. Basically a Maverick-sized electric pickup that Ford should have made already. Price it starting at $40K and I think it would be competitive.

If they make an R2X that will probably be the tri-motor variant. They’d better not forget about the R3X though. I could see them pushing it back if the R2 sells well.

What other variants could they make, extended cab? I think this would eat into R1S sales and they claim they want to continue to sell the R1 line.

Lots of interesting things ahead. I can’t wait to see Rivian grow.

 

[Doug]

R2 Quad with 400 plus range. That would get my attention.

 

[loqueid]

R2 Quad with 400 plus range. That would get my attention.

Might need a battery on the roof for that...

 

[NY_Rob]

Might need a battery on the roof for that...

The battery would be the roof

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

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.

Hm… I think this already exists. It’s called the Ford F-150 Lightning. It sold well for a while and then it didn’t. Ford has discontinued it. There are multiple lessons to be learned from that.

Rivian has found their niche. It’s the adventure vehicle market, not work trucks. They’re trying to create something new, while feeling familiar. It’s what Subaru should have been doing all along, but they’re really just a subsidiary of Toyota when it comes to EVs.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Haven't seen it talked about here, but with how heavy Rivian is leaning into the self-driving stuff, I would be really surprised if we don't see a model that's optimized for that duty. Especially with the Uber deal.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Haven't seen it talked about here, but with how heavy Rivian is leaning into the self-driving stuff, I would be really surprised if we don't see a model that's optimized for that duty. Especially with the Uber deal.

No steering wheel. Just a big red panic button on the dash to shut everything down. /s

 

[loqueid]

Hm… I think this already exists. It’s called the Ford F-150 Lightning. It sold well for a while and then it didn’t. Ford has discontinued it. There are multiple lessons to be learned from that.

Rivian has found their niche. It’s the adventure vehicle market, not work trucks. They’re trying to create something new, while feeling familiar. It’s what Subaru should have been doing all along, but they’re really just a subsidiary of Toyota when it comes to EVs.

Timing is everything. I bet the Lightning would be selling really well right now. Once more and more people transition to EVs, the R1T "Standard" version will would become popular. If you can build it on the same assembly line, I don't see an issue having that version. The biggest wall to EVs, after all, is the price point.

 

[YellowR1T]

Now if R2X can arrive with a bright color option that is not blended with swamp mud like the current R2 palette, I might even buy two of them! I can wait 2 yrs; already waited longer than that for the Gen 1 R1T.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Timing is everything. I bet the Lightning would be selling really well right now. Once more and more people transition to EVs, the R1T "Standard" version will would become popular. If you can build it on the same assembly line, I don't see an issue having that version. The biggest wall to EVs, after all, is the price point.

I'd add that the Ford Lightning sold quite well, it was just unprofitable (it would have to have sold way more to be). It was the best selling EV truck at the time of its discontinuation. Instead of updating it to make it cheaper to build (like Rivian did with the Gen 2 vehicles), Ford threw in the towel and as always hung up a dream about an EREV truck and its upcoming $30k model. The Ford way. Leave everything half finished and then call it quits and then blame market conditions or whatever.

My takeaway is this: The Lightning was a great truck and sold well but the company behind it did not believe in it. I believe the Mach-E is headed down the same path. As a previous Mach-E owner, it was a great EV but it has not kept up with the competition and does not sound like Ford will be updating it. So probably same story there - it will stop selling (kind of already has) and they'll blame the market instead of their lack of updates. We talk about a blown lead by Tesla, but Ford is deserving of an honorable mention in the EV space as well.

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