R2 Delayed?

[Kidentist]

Fall 2026....maybe. 2027.....unlikely, but shit happens.

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[Throwdown]

What was the original release date? Wasn't it Q1 2026?

 

[portdirect]

I was told by a random Rivian employee that the R2 is coming early (today), so that averages out to the original ETA.

This tracks - last year (ie 2024) I was told by folks working for Rivian: the quad is coming out next month, its 100% coming in January 2025, its going to be in Q1 2025, its going to be in Q2 2025 and ts canceled.

The one person who gave me information that I trusted: "No idea, but legal say we cant keep your credit open indefinitely - which combined with not having any official pricing information yet makes me think it is not going to be soon, and everyone (including me) is probably telling you what is best for their current situation."

 

[sparked]

What was the original release date? Wasn't it Q1 2026?

It's been first half of 2026 for a while. So that could be May or even June.

I think the only thing coming in Q1 2026 is the R2 media day where they go over the final version (and probably launch the configurator).

 

[VandalSibs]

What was the original release date? Wasn't it Q1 2026?

They have stated 1H26 since they unveiled R2 in March of 2024.

 

[White Shadow]

Was at one of the Rivian Spaces and an employee told me the R2 is going to be delayed until end of 2026 or even possibly early 2027. Has anyone else heard about this?

They wouldn’t tell me the reason why. Not sure if it’s a supply or manufacturing issue. If I had to guess I’d say it’s because of all the chatter online about the Osborne effect if they launch without their new autonomy tech.

if this is true, It will definitely make some people unhappy but it’s the right move. Makes no sense to launch without LiDAR, the new chip and the latest tech.

No idea if this is accurate or not, but I just want to point out that I said long ago that we wouldn't see a single production R2 sold in calendar year 2026. So let's see what happens... BTW, that was also back when they had to build the production facility in Georgia.

 

[White Shadow]

Right now I have far more pressing issues than the status of my R2 reservation. Such as, can Philly actually beat Buffalo today and not make it look ugly?

Buffalo looked atrocious and actually should have won the game at the very end. Although the Eagles won, it's not a good look for them at all. I don't see them getting far in the playoffs.

 

[Zoidz]

This same "a service center employee told me...." stuff took place when the R1 was pending and starting shipments. Then it took place when the Tonneau Cover issues starting popping up. "Rivian's gonna do this, that, blah, blah....."

If you believe Service Center employees about vehicle release dates, etc. then you should also be asking them for stock tips because you'll get the same accuracy.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

Was at one of the Rivian Spaces and an employee told me the R2 is going to be delayed until end of 2026 or even possibly early 2027. Has anyone else heard about this?

They wouldn’t tell me the reason why. Not sure if it’s a supply or manufacturing issue. If I had to guess I’d say it’s because of all the chatter online about the Osborne effect if they launch without their new autonomy tech.

if this is true, It will definitely make some people unhappy but it’s the right move. Makes no sense to launch without LiDAR, the new chip and the latest tech.

I said this right after they said the new hardware wouldn’t be available until late 2026. Delaying is the easiest solution. I just hope they can hang on financially. VW’s billions aren’t going to last forever.

 

[Just Passing By]

Rivian have repeatedly reiterated guidance for 1H26 production. RJ has been going around repeating this in interviews over the last 1-2 months. If Rivian had knowledge that they were not going to release until late 2026, after very publicly stating and reiterating the earlier date, then they would lay themselves open to a class action lawsuit by shareholders when that news finally breaks and the share price likely falls. No sensible company would do this. They would issue an 8K on such material information, because otherwise investors would be trading on materially inaccurate information, hence the potential for law suits.

 

[COdogman]

I asked the cashier at the grocery store when I will be able to buy a meal-replacement capsule like in the Jetsons cartoon and she said it's on the way but delayed

 

[sparked]

Rivian have repeatedly reiterated guidance for 1H26 production. RJ has been going around repeating this in interviews over the last 1-2 months.

Not only that, but they massively de-risked the R2 platform by being a bit conservative. Uses 400 volt system. Factory in Illinois instead of launching in Georgia. Pilot plant in California to work out any bugs.

My only concern is quality control with this being their 1st high volume vehicle and the quality of the ramp up. Also quality of software at launch. In the worst case that could slow a production ramp, but not delay it into 2027.

 

[captainjp]

I concur with May the 4th. Especially after seeing the the machine decked out in R2D2 vinyls

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

Maybe they meant Gen 3 is end of '26 but Gen 2 R2 will come sooner? (which we already knew).

Not sure what the rules for self driving in Europe are but a Gen 2 R2 that can be exported would still make sense.

I don’t think any R2s will be exported in 2026, unless sales are abysmal in the US. The Georgia Plant is supposed to be built for the global push, not Illinois.

 

[DuoRivian]

No idea if this is accurate or not, but I just want to point out that I said long ago that we wouldn't see a single production R2 sold in calendar year 2026. So let's see what happens... BTW, that was also back when they had to build the production facility in Georgia.

You will be wrong and it will be 2026 since they are building out of Normal and that expansion is complete.

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