Rivian Plans Expanded R2 Electric Vehicle Line, Considers In-House Lidar
Rivian is developing additional variants of its upcoming R2 electric SUV as the company aims to broaden its product lineup and affordability. CEO RJ Scaringe revealed considerations for in-house lidar sensor production, signaling ongoing advancements in automation and vehicle technology. The R2 will be produced both in Illinois and, from 2028, at a new plant in Georgia.
Rivian is preparing to introduce new iterations of its R2 midsize electric SUV, with plans to diversify the model's offerings and pursue further innovation in vehicle sensor technology. The American electric vehicle manufacturer, which gained attention with the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, is now focusing on the R2, a smaller and more affordable model intended to compete directly with rivals such as the BMW iX3.
Latest company disclosures indicate that additional R2 variants may emerge in the near future. In a recent interview with Reuters, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe discussed the potential for expanded options, suggesting the possibility of an R2X model among other configurations. "So clearly there could be an R2X," said Scaringe, adding that there will be "combinations" while refraining from formally announcing any specific lineup details.
Another core area of development is Rivian's interest in advancing autonomous vehicle capabilities. Scaringe confirmed that the company is considering manufacturing its own lidar sensors—technology that enables vehicles to map their surroundings using laser light detection and ranging, and is central to many self-driving and advanced driver assistance systems. The company is exploring options for in-house lidar production, possibly in partnership with a Chinese supplier.
Currently, R2 production is underway at Rivian's established facility in Normal, Illinois. However, long-term plans will see the R2 and forthcoming smaller models, including the R3 and performance-oriented R3X, manufactured at a new $4.5 billion plant in Georgia. This new facility is expected to become operational by 2028, made possible through funding that includes a substantial loan from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Rivian estimates that the R2 SUV launch models will compete at a starting price point designed to attract cost-sensitive consumers, with at least one variant set to be offered at approximately $45,000. The expansion of both its manufacturing footprint and technology portfolio underscores Rivian's ambition to scale operations and further integrate automation into its production lines.
For more on this story, visit arstechnica.com.
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