- Rivian has teased five new vehicles as part of their tie-up with Volkswagen.
- Three of the models are slated to be based on a new “affordable mass market” architecture.
- All of the models are a mystery, but one could potentially be a redesigned delivery van.
Rivian is still fighting for survival, but that hasn’t stopped their pie in the sky dreaming. Quite the opposite as the company is envisioning at least five new vehicles.
The plans were revealed as part of Volkswagen’s investment in the automaker, but details are limited. However, the company envisions building one additional vehicle on the Gen 2 platform that underpins the redesigned R1T and R1S. There’s not much to go on, but it’s possible the company is working on a redesigned delivery van.
More: VW Will Invest $5 Billion In Rivian To Get Its EV Tech And Software
Besides the R2 and R3, Rivian hinted at a third model based on their upcoming mid-size platform. Since both of the aforementioned models are crossovers, it makes us wonder if the company is eyeing a more affordable mid-size pickup.
That remains to be seen, but the R2 SUV is slated to be built in Illinois and cost around $45,000. If everything goes according to plan, R2 deliveries will begin in the first half of 2026. Rivian has been vague on the R3, but it’s slated to be cheaper than the R2 and arrive sometime after the model.
That brings us to the final three vehicles, which will have an “affordable mass market” architecture. They’ll presumably be the models developed as part of a joint venture with Volkswagen.
Speaking of the latter, Volkswagen is pumping $1 billion into Rivian and could eventually increase that number to $5 billion. The funds will pave the way for the establishment of a 50/50 joint venture for the “creation of next-generation electrical/electronic architecture (so-called E/E-architecture) for electric vehicles.”
Rivian has said the money will help fund their “operations through the ramp of R2 in Normal as well as the midsize platform in Georgia – enabling a path to positive free cash flow and meaningful scale.” The automaker also noted that Volkswagen’s “breadth of offerings, global reach, and knowledge of global market requirements is expected to enable the core technology to reach many more customers in many more places.”
H/T to The Verge
