Rivian sets June 9 for first R2 deliveries as EV maker targets profitability

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has confirmed that the first customer deliveries of its new R2 SUV will commence on June 9. The automaker has spent the preceding months ramping up production efforts to bring the vehicle to market, marking a strategic shift towards a more affordable model designed to capture a broader consumer segment than its existing R1 lineup.

The initial trim of the R2 is priced just under $60,000. Looking further ahead, the company has outlined plans to introduce a “standard” version starting at $48,490 in 2027, alongside a more affordable variant expected to launch late next year with a price point around $45,000. This lower price bracket has been a key part of Rivian’s messaging since the R2 was first revealed in 2024.

Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe has described the R2 launch as potentially the most significant event in the company’s history. The vehicle, along with its hatchback sibling the R3, is central to Rivian’s strategy to achieve profitability for the first time since its founding in 2009.

To support this turnaround, Rivian is targeting an aggressive production ramp-up, aiming to deliver up to 25,000 R2 units by the end of this year. The company has set high expectations for the model’s reception, betting that the expanded product range will drive the necessary volume to stabilise its financial position.

While the June 9 delivery date is confirmed, the timeline for subsequent trims remains subject to production capabilities. The company’s ability to meet its year-end delivery targets will be a critical indicator of its operational efficiency as it scales from a niche luxury brand to a mass-market competitor.