Affordable Electric Luxury: Rivian Announces Plans for Compact R2 and R3 Models
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On their podcast, popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee welcomed the Rivian CEO to discuss the company's current and upcoming electric vehicle range.
RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, revealed during an interview on the WVFRM YouTube podcast hosted by Marques Brownlee that the company's EV lineup will be expanded to include R2 and R3 vehicles. He stated they will still embody the "adventure essence" Rivian is known for in a more compact and budget-friendly form.
Scaringe disclosed two novel options: a small storage compartment instead of the Bluetooth speaker located beneath the front seats. This will be secured using the same latch, ensuring it does not become a projectile during transit. Furthermore, he mentioned an updated version of the camp kitchen for the gear tunnel is in development and that this one will be far more appropriate in size; as opposed to its predecessor, which nearly filled up the entire gear tunnel.
These images are a simple example of how the R2 and R3 design could potential look. IMAGE: Matteo Prola / Automotive & Yacht Designer
Spotting a Rivian on the streets is still a rarity, but despite not having reached a level of mass adoption for their R1T and R1S EVs yet, the company is already pondering its future products.
RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO, recently had an interview with Marques Brownlee from his WVFRM podcast to discuss the current range and potential items that may appear in their catalogue.
Brownlee inquired of Scaringe as to the background of the EV startup, and Scaringe answered that when Rivian was initially launched (13 years ago) its primary goal was developing a sports car; something that should be familiar to Tesla admirers.
From Dream to Reality: How to Plan Your Ultimate Adventure
Ultimately, the firm changed its focus and targeted a different market of electric vehicle-loving sports enthusiasts with the R1T truck and R1S SUV. Scaringe stated that the aim was to establish a brand that enables and encourages awesome adventures.
Scaringe mentioned the outlining of their flagship products for which there are two options- R1S and R1T. Further, he added, they have other offerings, creatively named as the R2 and R3 models that come in various form factors and sizes.
The difference in development costs between the R1S and R1T, the brand's flagship models, and the lesser priced R2 lineup are clear. Scaringe noted that they have to be more judicious with the budget on R2 vehicles "so things that didn't require much consideration for the top tier product now become essential conversations".
Scaringe also spotlighted some more immediate data that those tracking Rivian are anxious for, for example, software and the Apple CarPlay absence on the R1S and R1T. Regarding this matter, Scaringer compared having internal control of the software to haute cuisine:
We integrate with top-notch platforms for various activities, ranging from music to mapping. This enables us to control the systems and oversee how you experience them – kind of like a master chef in charge of the final dish. Therefore, it looks as though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support won't be supplied in the Rivian lineup anytime soon.
Scaringe disclosed two novel options: a small storage compartment instead of the Bluetooth speaker located beneath the front seats. This will be secured using the same latch, ensuring it does not become a projectile during transit. Furthermore, he mentioned an updated version of the camp kitchen for the gear tunnel is in development and that this one will be far more appropriate in size; as opposed to its predecessor, which nearly filled up the entire gear tunnel.
Additional New
Rivian is developing an E-bike
Rivian is developing an e-bike. CEO RJ Scaringe indicated that a small team has been assembled for the project.
This new mode of transportation promises to be a game changer for the brand and has the potential to alter the way Rivian appeals to customers.
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