Rivian looks like it will finally unveil the R2 platform in March as the company has filed for permits to hos a “worldwide product launch event” in Laguna Beach, California.
Rivian started off with the R1T electric pickup truck, soon after adding the R1S electric SUV to their production lines at their factory in Normal, Illinois. Following Tesla’s plan, the automaker started off with these two, more expensive vehicles with the hopes of eventually launching the R2 platform, which is expected to underpin a new range of smaller and more affordable electric vehicles (EVs).
The company has been revealing small pieces of information on the R2 platform, even sharing a glimpse of a clay model under a cover during a question and answer session featuring CEO RJ Scaringe.
Last year Rivian’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Claire McDonough also revealed the company was planning to reveal the R2 to the public for the first time in early 2024. Based on new permits filed with the City of Laguna Beach, it looks like that timeline is still intact.
According to city council documents, Rivian has filed a permit to use Main Beach Park and the Rivian Theater (pictured above), formerly the Laguna Beach Movie Theater, for a “worldwide product launch event” on March 7, 2024. The event is scheduled to start around 3:45 PM local time, and last until sunset. (via StuNewsLaguna)
While the document itself makes no mention of the R2 platform, the accompanying plans are titled “Rivian R2 Launch,” leaving little doubt as to what is going to be revealed.
UPDATE 10:37am PT: At the meeting, Rivian withdrew the request to use Main Beach Park for the event. The event itself could still move forward with the Rivian Theater however. (via @RivianTrackr)
The R2 is expected to be priced between US$40,000 and US$60,000, below that of the R1T and R1S, which have an average selling price of US$73,000, but in line with Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3.
While the R2 has yet to be officially unveiled, Rivian has plans for much more. In 2021 the company submitted six trademarks to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for R3S, R4S, R5S, R3T, R4T and R5T.
You can read the full staff report on the permit request below.
