GoKawiilRivian revealed the specs and pricing details for its pivotal R2 SUV on Thursday, and the company also finally answered a long-burning question: When will customers be able to buy the promised $45,000 base model?
That answer is “late 2027,” according to the company’s press materials. And there’s a catch. The language Rivian uses now is that the base model R2 will be “starting around $45,000.” That’s a notable change from how the company was recently promoting that the R2 would be “starting at $45,000″ on its website. (Emphasis mine.)
This is not exactly surprising. As TechCrunch first reported last week, Rivian removed the “starting at $45,000” language from its website in February.
Also, a lot has changed since Rivian first revealed the R2 in March 2024. The $7,500 federal EV tax credit is gone. Legacy automakers have stopped buying regulatory credits from companies like Rivian, effectively ending a stream of what was ostensibly free money pouring into its coffers. President Trump’s chaotic tariffs have increased the cost of components and materials Rivian uses to make its EVs.
In some ways, Rivian has bigger challenges to deal with.
Sales of its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV declined in 2025. Rivian is about to start constructing a giant factory in Georgia where it expects to build hundreds of thousands of R2 SUVs (and, eventually, R3 hatchbacks).
The company is also trying to architect what would be one of the fastest electric vehicle launches in U.S. history with its more premium R2 models this year. Rivian is projecting sales of between 20,000 and 25,000 R2s by the end of 2026. If it succeeds, only Tesla’s Model Y would have reached 20,000 in sales faster.
Techcrunch event Disrupt 2026: The tech ecosystem, all in one room Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $400. Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit 1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately
Offer ends March 13. San Francisco, CA | REGISTER NOW
... continue reading