Electric car enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Rivian R2, which seemed to be a promising alternative to the overrated Tesla Model Y. However, one of its main selling points may not even exist anymore.
The Rivian R2 is a small electric SUV expected to arrive later this year. Rivian is set to officially reveal the R2 on March 12th, so we’ve not had much information to go on so far. One thing that every source couldn’t help but point out, however, was the Rivian R2’s pretty low price point of $45,000.
It’s about the average price of a new car in America these days, but it’s a good deal for an SUV with the impressive range, cargo space, and performance it offers. However, sharp-eyed EV fans have noticed something concerning that could mean the R2 won’t be released with the previously planned price point.
Rivian Forums has been buzzing about a big change to Rivian’s website for the past few days. The words “Starting at $45,000” were apparently removed from the site a few weeks ago.
Wrote one EV driver: “Not sure if this means anything or not, but the wording ‘starting at $45,000’ was removed from the Rivian R2 website. I think they don’t want to confuse customers when the launch model debuts and it quite a bit higher than $45K.”
One theory believes that Rivian decided to change the price due to inflation and tariffs, which they couldn’t have predicted two years ago when they announced the R2 would be $45,000.
Another theory believes Rivian removed the phrase not because Rivian is attempting to pull a fast one, but due to a misunderstanding. They think drivers have misunderstood Rivian’s previous statement about the $45,000 R2. While many reported (including us) that the R2 would start at $45K at launch, some have argued that Rivian meant that there are vehicles in the soon-to-be-revealed lineup that will be $45,000, not that the R2 is that price.
Said one driver: “People want it. Rivian fan boys will buy it no matter what. So why not make money? I bet it will start at $65k now.”
Either way, most drivers believe that the Rivian R2 will be a lot more money than $45,000.
Hey, didn’t Tesla do this?
Sort of. But Elon Musk isn’t the most clear on things like this. In the past, Tesla has announced lower prices for unreleased models that wound up being significantly more money once they came out. Why? Tesla usually promises lower prices that aren’t available right upon launch and are available further down the line.
With Tesla dominating the electric vehicle market, many drivers believe that Rivian could be copying this marketing tactic. The promised $45,000 was maybe a way to garner attention and guarantee interest. However, some believe once it’s released, it will have a higher price point that isn’t as headline-worthy. The $45,000 would be available eventually, if Rivian is following Tesla’s strange marketing ploy.
Meanwhile, most car enthusiasts are guessing that the Rivian R2 will be released with a price tag more around $60,0000 to $65,000. While this would still be a typical price for an electric SUV with the R2’s features, it no longer gives the R2 an edge over the competition. The Tesla Model Y would actually be a lot cheaper.
Of course, we don’t actually know what the missing price tag from the website means. We probably won’t find out until March 12th, when Rivian reveals its upcoming lineup. The removal doesn’t necessarily mean something negative, however.
Said one Rivian fan: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Rivian launched competitive pricing. They’ve known the prices to beat for years now. There haven’t been many new entrants into the space. We know the Model Y is their direct competitor.
“I’d be really surprised if they aren’t as good or better than Y pricing. RJ is a pretty smart guy, why would he launch something less appealing than what’s already out there?”
For Rivian’s sake, I hope this is the correct take. Many predict that the R2 will be dead upon arrival if it’s no longer priced similarly to the Model Y.
