Rivian R2 to be introduced on March 7

Rivian's R1S and R1T have gotten their fair share of praise from owners and reviewers alike, but the starting prices make them anything but affordable. The company knows this and is planning on introducing the R2 - a smaller and much more reasonably priced SUV, that was initially intended to start at around $40,000 (but that was last year, the number may have changed in the meantime).

It looks like Rivian is planning on announcing the R2 at an event on March 7 in Laguna Beach, California. The company hasn't officially revealed the date, but it has filed for an approval with Laguna Beach City Council to use a public beach area near its flagship store the afternoon of March 7. As part of the filing, a document showing Rivian's intended use of a grassy area was titled "RIVIAN R2 LAUNCH".

Interestingly, the company has since withdrawn the request, following some opposition from locals. But that doesn't mean the event is canceled - Rivian can just use its flagship store (which used to be a theater and still has an event space complete with a stage and screen), as it doesn't need any permission for that since it owns the place.

The outside space was intended to showcase six vehicles, which, again, can also be done inside. So this is far from official or confirmed, but it is looking incredibly likely that we'll see the R2 making its debut in early March.

The new model is expected to be built at Rivian's new factory in Atlanta, Georgia, which should become operational later this year. The R2 deliveries might start in 2025, however.

Source | Via