With the R1T priced from USD 72,990 in the U.S., and from CAD 135,890 in Canada, Rivian’s entry price is high for most pickup truck customers.
While U.S. automakers remain cautious about EV launches, they would expect long-term growth in the pickup segment as affordability, tech, and charging infrastructure improve.
Even so, Rivian does not plan to introduce a smaller, more affordable model, such as a potential R2T, in the midsize truck segment for now.
Scaringe: R2 will spawn variants
In August 2025, when InsideEVs (via YouTube) asked Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe during its podcast if the brand expects to introduce a midsize pickup truck derived from the R2 in the future, he said:
It doesn’t take a huge amount of imagination to think of, like, what comes (next), like, if there’s R2, what are the other R2 variants, yeah? And we sort of hinted at that with R3, where we did an R3X. You could imagine X versions, you could imagine other versions.
RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO, Rivian (InsideEVs podcast on August 22, 2025)
Later in the discussion, Scaringe spoke about how crucial the midsize segment is for Rivian’s growth. He said that the focus of the company is on the R2 platform, as it is the biggest, most broadly appealing segment.
Scaringe: No R2 pickup planned
At the Automotive Press Association event held at the company’s facility in Plymouth, Michigan, later that year, RJ Scaringe reportedly poured cold water on the R2 truck idea, stating that “there is no pickup version of R2.”
The platform is focused initially on generating SUV derivatives, and given the lack of enthusiasm or demand from the U.S. market for all-electric trucks, it seems wise that Rivian isn’t directing resources towards a product that few really want.
What if?
The Rivian R2T was expected to feature a design that combines cues from the R1T and R2. We imagined it having a conventional pickup silhouette with strong proportions and a muscular stance.
If Rivian revisits the midsize truck segment, the R2T would have to pack dual-motor AWD and tri-motor AWD configurations. To attract buyers in the U.S. and Canada, it would need to deliver a 0-60 mph time of around three seconds and an EPA-estimated range of more than 300 miles.
Payload and towing capacity would likely need to reach about 1,400 lbs. and 6,000 lbs., respectively, though we imagine this would be more of a lifestyle truck than for heavy commercial use.
Georgia plant plan
Production of Rivian’s next-generation vehicles, including the R2 and R3, is planned at its upcoming plant in Social Circle, Georgia.
Located in the Stanton Springs industrial park, this facility will have an annual capacity of 200,000 units in the first phase and 400,000 units when fully complete. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 16, 2025, with construction set to begin in 2026 and production starting in 2028.
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of an R2T truck.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
