Why Rivian is holding the $45,000 base model R2 until 'late 2027' | TechCrunch

"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."

"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."

"Rivian is projecting sales of between 20,000-25,000 R2s by the end of 2026. If it succeeds, only Tesla's Model Y would have reached 20,000 in sales faster."

Rivian announced R2 SUV specifications and pricing, revealing the base model will cost around $45,000 beginning in late 2027. The company shifted its language from "starting at $45,000" to "starting around $45,000," reflecting market pressures including the elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, loss of regulatory credit sales, and Trump administration tariffs increasing component costs. Rivian faces additional challenges with declining R1T and R1S sales and construction of a Georgia factory for mass R2 production. The company plans to launch premium R2 models first in 2026, targeting 20,000-25,000 sales by year-end, potentially making it one of the fastest EV launches in U.S. history.

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