Will the $45k Rivian R2 actually happen?

[ksurfier]

Will the $45k Rivian R2 actually happen?


A. Yes — absolutely. Rivian will deliver it.

B. Technically yes, but barely. Limited production, limited options, limited appeal.

C. Not really. Maybe a ~$50k version, but likely not profitable.

D. No freaking way. $45k is the dream, not the business case. $35k Tesla Model 3 version 2.0!

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[SANZC02]

Not sure 45k, that price was from the launch in March 2024, with inflation that would be around 48,500 in 2027.

I think they will have a sub 50k rear wheel drive version with a slightly smaller battery, maybe 75 kWh. It would probably sell pretty well, my Tesla Model S is rear wheel drive and it has been a decent vehicle.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I think they will make it, but it will be so stripped down that it won't be a popular seller.

 

[rodhx]

In early 2021 I just happened to be at a Tesla Service Center when a few of the entry level single motor Model Y's arrived. Had I known that variant would only exist for maybe three weeks and be super-rare I would have bought one for the auction site craziness.

 

[Big Kidd]

I think they will make it, but it will be so stripped down that it won't be a popular seller.

And that $45k model probably won't be available until 2028.

 

[Mos Eisley]

The Standard is available online now at $44,990. That's actually a small reduction in the originally announced base price. Might the price rise before you can order one this Spring? Maybe. But for all practical purposes, it's available now.

 

[SlaterGS]

Price absolutely matters for a lot of buyers, although many of those people probably aren't on this forum. That said, I'm not convinced $45k is low enough to reach that broader market anyways.

I've had several friends who had zero interest in EVs suddenly get excited about the Slate lineup because of the $25k starting price. Their response is usually, "It's only a little more for the SUV version." When I ask why they'd choose a bare-bones $30k Slate over something like the Leaf or Bolt, which are more capable and proven at a similar price, they mostly come back to the low entry price and the current buzz around Slate.

My concern with the R2 is that by the time it launches, there will be far more competition in that price range. At the same time, inflation and other cost pressures will make it increasingly difficult for Rivian to hit the promised $45k price, even if they strip out features.

I lean toward B (any price below $50k) but they won't get the volumes at that price for it to make sense to keep around long.

 

[Rivian R2D2]

Nope, did the $39K Cybertruck happen? No!

(Inflation was only a $1.34 raise since 2019 so that’s not the reason!)

$120k is far from $38k.

Rivian will never sell like Tesla in quality so that would go under selling a cheaper non selling car.

And yes you have Rivian peeps, and you have Tesla peeps, (Android/Apple?!)

 

[DanDibs58]

Nope, did the $39K Cybertruck happen? No!

(Inflation was only a $1.34 raise since 2019 so that’s not the reason!)

$120k is far from $38k.

Rivian will never sell like Tesla in quality so that would go under selling a cheaper non selling car.

And yes you have Rivian peeps, and you have Tesla peeps, (Android/Apple?!)

I assume you mean 'quantity'. And Tesla is no longer committed to cars, so at some point, Rivian will certainly outsell them, especially when the R3 hits.

And I don't think you can compare the $39k Cybertruck with a $45k Rivian. For one thing, the CT was a complete botch job by Elon, way over promising and way under delivering. I don't see any of that with RJ. The CT was also impacted by the 'Elon is a crazy fascist racist nut job DOGEr' frenzy. It's a shame as it's a pretty capable vehicle but really had no chance.

 

[mroe]

I've assumed the standard RWD is what they are planning on selling in bulk to Uber as part of their future deal?

 

[Rivian R2D2]

I assume you mean 'quantity'. And Tesla is no longer committed to cars, so at some point, Rivian will certainly outsell them, especially when the R3 hits.

And I don't think you can compare the $39k Cybertruck with a $45k Rivian. For one thing, the CT was a complete botch job by Elon, way over promising and way under delivering. I don't see any of that with RJ. The CT was also impacted by the 'Elon is a crazy fascist racist nut job DOGEr' frenzy. It's a shame as it's a pretty capable vehicle but really had no chance.

Ha, good point, very well said yes I am leaning Rivian more than Tesla. Time will tell. Thanks.

Note, can we get an automatic spell correct on this app? I hit the wrong key often. LOL!

 

[sparked]

They could, but only if inflation cooperates between now and then. I could see them bump it up $1k to offset supply chain inflation.

 

[VandalSibs]

They could, but only if inflation cooperates between now and then. I could see them bump it up $1k to offset supply chain inflation.

Considering they've dropped the price (granted, by ten bucks..... but that's still lower than $45k) since the announcement, and have stuck by that $45k price-point for two years, I'm pretty confident that they will be able to stay with the price - considering they plan on being gross unit profitable around the end of this year.

 

[NY_Rob]

Yes, Rivian will deliver as promised.. Rivian is not Tesla.

 

[iamnid]

Nope, did the $39K Cybertruck happen? No!

(Inflation was only a $1.34 raise since 2019 so that’s not the reason!)

$120k is far from $38k.

This is a very dishonest or ill-informed post. Inflation between 2019 and cybertruck launch (11/30/23) was 18.7% -- What do you mean by $1.34?

Additionally, the $120k trucks were the first ones sold -- the most expensive, tri motor, models. The entry level cybertruck is $70,000. The most expensive, tri-motor model today is $100,000.

$38k in 2019 money is approximately $49,500 today. Did they hit that target? No - they missed it by about $20,000. Bear in mind that they don't even sell a 2WD truck (which is what the promised $38k truck was supposed to be)

Did you need to compare the anticipated price at launch with the launch/foundation edition at $120k? Also no.

We get it -- they missed the mark but there's no need to exaggerate.

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