The competition heats up.
After many months of waiting, Rivian finally announced official pricing and packaging details of the R1T and R1S all-electric truck and SUV, respectively. The first US customer deliveries will get underway next summer. But what about overseas markets? Additional models? Rivian has previously expressed interest in expanding and now its founder and CEO has revealed more details on the matter.
Speaking to Reuters, R.J. Scaringe clarified plans to begin European sales in 2022 and China sometime afterward. However, it won't be just the R1T and R1S being sold in those continents. "What will really drive volume in those markets is the follow-on products," Scaringe said. Referring to smaller models, they're expected to share many components and their skateboard platforms with their larger truck and SUV counterparts.
"We wouldn't be serious about building a car company if we weren't thinking about China and Europe as important markets long term." Scaringe didn't provide any further details about those apparently overseas-only models, but don't assume the US will be left with the R1T and R1S only.
Last spring, we learned Rivian is aiming to build a quirky, off-road-focused five-door model dubbed the "R2R". Supposedly around the size of a Subaru WRX wagon only with a raised ride height, it could offer as much as 500 horsepower along with all-wheel drive and four electric motors.
The company has not confirmed the project's existence and we wouldn't expect it to arrive any time before 2022. In addition to EVs Rivian will sell to the public in the US, Europe, and China, it also struck a deal with Amazon, one of its two key investors (Ford being the second), to supply it with a large electric delivery van. It too will share the skateboard platform.
Interestingly, Scaringe described the R1T and R1S as "halo products," thus implying less expensive vehicles are highly probable. The question is whether or not Rivian will build separate future models for the US and elsewhere. Will the rumored R2R be for the US only, or maybe not at all? The answer should arrive in the near future.
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Automobili Pininfarina
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Ineos Automotive
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo
Join The Discussion