Rivian Explores Possibility of R2 Pickup, Other Variants

“There are other variants of R2, which we haven’t shown,” he told  Reuters in response to a question about the possibility of an R2 pickup.

"So clearly there ​could be an ⁠R2X," Scaringe told the publication. "There's going to be combinations," he continued, adding, "I want to be careful not to announce the program."

When the company revealed the second line of product for the startup more than a year ago, the R2 SUV came out alone, causing many to ask about a pickup truck. Scaringe and other officials brushed off the questions, largely with non-answers, at the time. However, the company’s second plant, which is under construction in Georgia, just north of Atlanta, opens up possibilities, Scaringe acknowledged.

The variants could come as a result of its partnership with Scout Motors, Volkswagen’s U.S.-based EV subsidiary. The multibillion dollar deal focuses on a few areas, much of it centered on technology developed by Rivian. However, as Scout is working out some kinks in its production plans, it may make sense for the two companies to jointly produce vehicles — including a midsize all-electric pickup.

Scout currently has that vehicle in its lineup, but Rivian does not. It was recently revealed VW/Scout is pushing back the start of production on both of its initial vehicles, with Terra pickup now starting March 1, 2030. Both vehicles will be produced at the company’s new plant in Blythewood, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. 

The plants are about three hours away from each other, which could help make production more efficient and less expensive. Neither company has confirmed this is a possibility at this point.

Rivian began production of the R2 last month at its plant in Normal, Illinois. There are three versions of the R2. The R2 lineup will offer up to 656 horsepower, with a zero-to-60 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds (and incredible highway acceleration from 50-70 mph in as quick as 1.55 seconds). Rivian estimates the R2 can travel up to 345 miles on a full charge.

Rivian plans to deliver the first variants late in the second quarter of this year, and it will start with the priciest version of the R2, the Launch model, which is priced at $57,990. The EV maker will begin rolling out less expensive models in stages through next year. 

The R2 Premium, with a starting price of $53,990, is scheduled to arrive in the final quarter of 2026 with the R2 Standard coming in the first half of next year. It’s stick price begins at $48,490 and is the long-range model at 345 miles. The first two will travel 330 miles. A less expensive R2 Standard with an estimated range of about 275 miles and a price starting at $45,000 arrives in the second half of 2027, officials noted.

Rivian predicted a 53 percent jump in deliveries ​this year due to the arrival of the R2 vehicles. The forecast suggests as many as 23,000 R2 will be delivered in 2026, if everything goes according to plan.

[Images: Rivian]

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