Rivian will deliver the first R2 SUVs on June 9

Rivian has officially announced that the delivery of its first R2 SUVs will commence on June 9. In recent months, the automaker has been intensively preparing for the launch of this new model, which is designed to be more affordable and cater to a broader audience compared to its existing R1 series. The R2 SUV will initially be offered in a trim priced just below $60,000. However, Rivian has plans to introduce a standard version starting at $48,490 in 2027. Additionally, the company is teasing a more economical variant that is expected to launch late next year with an estimated starting price of around $45,000, a figure that has been highlighted since the R2's reveal in 2024. Rivian is optimistic about the potential of the R2. According to founder and CEO RJ Scaringe, this model could be “maybe the most important thing we’ve launched to date.” The company is targeting an ambitious production goal, aiming to deliver up to 25,000 units by the end of this year. Ultimately, Rivian envisions that the R2 and its hatchback counterpart, the R3, will pave the way for the company to achieve profitability for the first time since its inception in 2009.