$45,000 Rivian R2 to Get Launch Edition, Bidirectional Charging
Key Points
- The all-electric Rivian R2 SUV will have a Launch Edition variant when it launches in early 2026.
- The R2 will also feature bidirectional charging capability, allowing it to provide power to a house.
Rivian’s mid-size R2 SUV is on track for launch in the first half of 2026, said CEO RJ Scaringe on an earnings call with investors this week. While the electric-vehicle maker is still keeping most specifications of its new electric SUV close to the chest, Scaringe did provide a few details on the first R2s to emerge from Rivian’s factory in Normal, Ill.
Related: Rivian Reveals Smaller R2, R3 All-Electric Crossovers
Launching for the Largest Market
The R2 will debut with a Launch Edition. Unlike other such trims of hotly anticipated EVs, this will not be a top-spec R2. Rivian’s mid-size SUV will be available with two different battery packs and three motor configurations: single-motor rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with either two or three motors. In his address to investors, Scaringe characterized the Launch Edition as well equipped, but not fully loaded; it will be based on the twin-motor AWD powertrain rather than the range-topping tri-motor setup.
Rivian is said to be holding the line on its promised $45,000 base price for the R2; if the model’s pricing mirrors that of the larger R1, that may put the most lavishly equipped R2s in the mid-$70,000s. Rivian expects the greatest demand will be for vehicles in the middle of that range and is positioning the Launch Edition accordingly for wide appeal as it scales up production and builds out the R2 lineup.
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Powering the Home
Rivian has also announced that the R2 will be capable of vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging. This functionality is often touted as being able to provide backup power to owners’ homes in the case of a power outage. It can also help to lower electric bills daily by charging the vehicle at night when electricity is cheaper and powering the home during the day when rates are higher. With Rivian citing a range of more than 300 miles for the R2, the electric SUV will likely be able to comfortably manage most daily driving while still taking some of the edge off homeowners’ utilities.
More information on the R2 will be forthcoming shortly. Scaringe told investors that Rivian will be revealing specs, trim-level details and pricing in early 2026. Stay tuned.
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