Rivian has officially begun delivering its R2 SUV, positioning itself at the forefront of an electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Founder RJ Scaringe sees it as 'the most important thing we’ve launched to date,' with a focus on mass-market accessibility and autonomous driving capabilities.

The R2 starts at around £40,500 ($58,000), making it more affordable than its predecessor, the R1. Rivian plans to launch an even cheaper model by 2027, with a price tag of under £32,000 ($45,000). The company aims to deliver between 20,000 and 25,000 R2 SUVs this year, potentially making it one of the fastest-scaling EV launches in U.S. history.

Amid weakening environmental regulations under the Trump administration and the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit, Rivian hopes to capitalize on a shrinking field of new EV options in America. The company is constructing factories in Illinois and Georgia, with plans to ramp up production through 2026.

Rivian's ambitions extend beyond just selling vehicles; it aims to use the R2 as a platform for autonomous driving technology. In December, the company outlined its vision for advancing the SUV’s autonomy over the coming years, and in March, it struck a deal with Uber worth up to $1.25 billion, allowing 40,000 R2 models to be used as ride-hailing vehicles.