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Rivian has unveiled the R2 electric SUV, its next-generation electric vehicle, and there were a few surprises despite some leaks before the unveiling.

We also got a very interesting “one more thing” moment.

We already knew a great deal about the R2 thanks to a few leaks over the last week.

The leak, which came straight from the code on Rivian’s website, mentioned a range of “up to 330 miles”, a starting price of “$47,000”, an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds, and “coming in 2026”.

Today, Rivian held the actual unveiling event, and we saw the R2 in full for the first time. It’s our first complete look at the design, and an interesting update at the specs and pricing compared to the leak.

Rivian R2 Design

In terms of the design, if you are familiar with the R1S, the car is going to look very familiar to you.

Rivian has clearly decided to stick with its design language, which has already been successful with the R1S, the best-selling vehicle over $70,000 in the US.

Rivian is doubling down its main design differentiator: its vertical headlights.

R2 has a significant front trunk, or frunk, that appears to be of significant size:

One of the main new exterior design features is a roll-down rear window enabling larger objects to fit in the back.

The rear quarter windows can also open at an angle for better aerodynamic performance with airflow:

The charge port is on the rear passenger side as you can see in the picture above.

Electrek’s Jamie Dow was able to open it after the unveiling event – showing only a NACS connector in there.

As for the interior of the Rivian R2, there are a few interesting features. For example, you get not one but two gloveboxes:

The response that RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s CEO, received from the crowd after this announcement was surprisingly enthusiastic.

Another difference from the existing R1S/R1T design is the removal of the speakers in the doors, leaving more space for storage, and of course, it wouldn’t be a Rivian without a flashlight:

The interior design does look sharp and similar to what we are already used to with the R1S/R1T, albeit a little less luxurious, which is unsurprising.

Rivian also showed that the back seats and both front seat fold completely flat:

When it comes to the cockpit, Rivian is leveraging the existing design and user interface of the R1S/R1T with a slightly different twist for the more compact R2.

While the cockpit looks familiar, it does have a brand new steering wheel with “integrated haptic control dials”. You can see the scrolls on each side. They are massive.

The front seats do seem like a bigger downgrade from the very luxurious situation that you would find in R1S/R1T

Rivian R2 Specs

In terms of specs, the Rivian R2 is delivering on virtually everything.

Rivian announced over 300 miles (483 km) of range for all variants, which will include single motor RWD, dual motor AWD and tri-motor AWD.

The leak from Rivian’s website earlier this week did mention “up to 330 miles” of range.

The tri-motor version will get from 0 to 60 mph in “less than 3 seconds”, which is bringing the SUV into supercar territory.

As for the dimensions, the vehicle is virtually the same size as the Tesla Model Y, the best-selling vehicle in the world. It’s pretty clear what market Rivian is going after here.

Here’s a size comparison with the R2’s bigger brother, the R1S:

Rivian also announced hands-free and attention free autonomous diving on highways coming to the R2.

That would make the vehicle level 3 self-driving.

Now, Rivian didn’t talk about timing for that. It’s not clear if it’s going to be available at launch or through future software updates, but the automaker did release the planned hardware suite:

Rivian is also planning a series of new accessories to enable more adventure with the R2.

The R2 is also enabled by a new vehicle platform powered by a new 4695 battery cell format:

Tesla has been pioneering the use of large cylindrical battery cells in its vehicles with the 4680, which has been replicated by several other automakers.

Rivian is going a step further with an even bigger 4695 cell – 15 mm taller than Tesla’s.

Rivian R2 Price and Availability

The earlier leak suggested a $47,000 starting price for the R2, but at the unveiling, RJ actually announced a starting price of $45,000. That’s a nice surprise.

If that’s before incentive, which it sounds like it is, it is a very aggressive price – making the vehicle competitive with several other electric SUVs in the segment, including the previously mentioned best-selling car in the world: the Model Y.

Rivian aims to bring the vehicle to market in “the first half of 2026”. RJ said that Rivian is accelerating the R2 program timeline by starting production at its existing Normal, IL, factory rather than the upcoming Georgia factory, which RJ insisted is still in the plans.

Electrek’s Take

This hits the mark on many levels. It has great pricing for the specs and many different powertrain options to suit everyone’s needs. A few differentiating features and

I know some are not pleased with the design – calling it a carbon copy of the R1S, but it’s a proven successful design language and it’s nothing new for companies to keep with a strong design that carries across its lineup. Think of companies like Volvo.

Honestly, the biggest negative of this vehicle is that it can’t come soon enough. 2026 is still 2 years away, and the market can change a lot during that time.

But Rivian needs that time to get its house in order and show that it can produce the R1S/R1T profitably before moving in to cheaper vehicles.

Speaking of cheaper vehicles, RJ had a Steve Jobs “one more thing” moment at the R2 unveiling.

He also unveiled the Rivian R3 and R3X: a smaller hatchback with a similar design as the R2, and its performance sibling with wider wheels and a more aggressive design presented as its own model.

Pricing and availability were not released for those models.

I do really like the R3. It’s kind of a Gremlin mix with an IONIQ 5. The R3X has clear rally car vibes.

That said, I do get worried about Rivian spreading itself thin with 2.5 new vehicle programs.

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Polestar is launching a new cheaper Polestar 3 soon: Here’s what we know so far

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Polestar is launching a new cheaper Polestar 3 soon: Here's what we know so far

A more affordable Polestar electric SUV is set to launch by the end of the year. Polestar (PSNY) will unveil a cheaper, entry-level Polestar 3 model to compete with Tesla and Porsche. Here’s what we know so far.

Meet the Polestar’s new electric SUV

With the Polestar 3 expected to begin rolling out in the US in the coming months, the automaker is already planning to launch a cheaper option for buyers.

Polestar 3 production began in April in Chengdu, China, a few months ago, with additional production in South Carolina expected to start in mid-2024. Polestar has already successfully completed early production tests in the US.

The Polestar 3 will be the company’s first EV built on two continents as the brand looks to expand in major markets globally.

The entry-level Long Range Dual Motor was expected to start at $83,900 with up to 300 miles EPA range. However, in March, Polestar announced a new starting MSRP of $73,400 with Pilot Pack included as standard on all trims.

Polestar expects deliveries of the standard Long Range Dual Motor to begin in the second quarter of 2024.

2025 Polestar 3 trim Estimated EPA range (Combined) Power Torque Price
Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot Pack 315 miles 489 hp 620 lb-ft $73,400
Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot Pack and Plus Pack 315 miles 489 hp 620 lb-ft $78,900
Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot and Performance Pack 279 miles 517 hp 671 lb-ft $79,400
Long Range Dual Motor with Pilot, Plus, and Performance Pack 279 miles 517 hp 671 lb-ft $84,900
Polestar 3 price and specs by trim (*not including $1,400 destination fee)

The company also revealed that the Polestar 3 is eligible for its $7,500 Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive on leases, potentially bringing prices as low as $65,900.

The Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor with standard Pilot Pack and optional Plus Pack starts at $78,900. Polestar’s Plus Pack includes a 1,610-watt Bowers and Wilkins sound system, 21″ wheels, bio-attributed MicroTech, and heated rear seats.

Cheaper-Polestar-3
Polestar 3 prototype (Source: Polestar)

Polestar’s Long Rang Dual Motor model boasts up to 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque with 315 EPA estimated miles range.

For added performance, the Polestar 3 with Performance Pack is available for $79,400. This boosts output to 517 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque for a 0 to 60 mpg sprint in 4.6 seconds. It also includes “Swedish Gold” accents, 22″ performance wheels, and Polestar-engineered chassis tuning.

Cheaper-Polestar-3
Polestar 3 prototype (Source: Polestar)

Polestar to launch cheaper Polestar 3 variant

Polestar confirmed a cheaper Polestar 3 will join the lineup by the end of the year as the new base model.

Speaking with the media, Polestar’s global head of communications, Brent Ellis, said, “Later this year, the single-motor version of the Polestar 3 will be available.”

Polestar-3
Polestar 3 electric SUV (Source: Polestar)

Ellis added, “It will be rear-wheel drive, and we will have more details a few months from now when the time comes to launch.”

Although details and pricing are yet to be revealed, Polestar’s product manager told Drive the RWD model will use the same rear electric motor as the AWD Long Range Dual Motor model with 180 kW (241 hp).

Like the other trims, the RWD model will feature a 111 kWh battery pack, which should see increased range.

Polestar-3
Polestar 3 interior (Source: Polestar)

Polestar 3 deliveries are expected to kick off in Australia in June 2024. However, it will be a true electric five-seater. Ellis confirmed, “There’s not going to be a seven-seater at any point.”

The cheaper model will likely launch in the US and other global markets. More details are expected closer to its official debut. Check back for more info soon.

Electrek’s Take

Although Polestar claims Tesla is not the competition (more like Porsche’s new Macan EV), a cheaper electric SUV could help it keep pace with Tesla’s best-selling Model Y.

Tesla’s RWD Model Y starts at $44,990 with up to 320 miles range. The Long Range AWD model costs $47,990 with up to 310 miles range. Meanwhile, the Performance variant starts at $51,490 with a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds. With the $7,500 EV tax credit, Tesla Model Y prices start at as low as $37,490.

Which one would you buy? The Tesla Model Y or the Polestar 3 (or Porsche Macan EV)? Drop us a comment below.

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Tesla drivers, EVgo is about to begin NACS deployments on its DC fast chargers

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Tesla drivers, EVgo is about to begin NACS deployments on its DC fast chargers

EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO) will begin to deploy North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors on its DC fast charging network this year.

The Los Angeles-based charging provider said the stations included in the rollout will serve both CCS and NACS electric vehicles. EVgo will first deploy NACS connectors in markets with “high NACS vehicle penetration” – or, in other words, areas with a lot of Tesla drivers.

The plan is, of course, to maximize charger utilization. EVgo reports that overall utilization on its network in Q1 2024 was approximately 19%, up from approximately 9% year-over-year.  

Badar Khan, CEO of EVgo, said, “EVgo had previously identified more than 100,000 potential stalls with strategic site host partners, and with recent industry changes, we welcome further dialogue with our current and potential partners on how we can collaborate to deploy more fast charging infrastructure in convenient locations for drivers.”

Both Tesla and future non-Tesla NACS EVs can use EVgo’s plug-and-charge feature, Autocharge+. It’s available to over 50 EV models, including all Teslas compatible with the Tesla-made CCS adapter.  

EVgo says its NACS roll-out will be “unique given the network’s proliferation of high-power 350kW chargers that require liquid-cooled cable technology.” Nearly 40% of EVgo’s stalls are currently powered by a 350kW charger – almost double the percentage a year ago.  

Read more: California now has 1 EV fast charging station for every 5 gas stations


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Volvo EX60 set to arrive as new Tesla Model Y, Porsche Macan luxury electric SUV rival

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Volvo EX60 set to arrive as new Tesla Model Y, Porsche Macan luxury electric SUV rival

A new all-electric luxury SUV is set to hit the market next year to compete with Tesla’s best-selling Model Y. Volvo is joining the luxury electric SUV market with its new EX60 launching next year. The new EX60 will rival premium models from Tesla, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

As one of the first legacy automakers to commit to an all-electric future, Volvo is seeing the results.

After launching its most affordable EV, the EX30, last year, Volvo’s compact electric SUV is already making a significant impact on the company.

Volvo set a new sales record in the first three months of the year with growing demand for its electric models. Fully electric vehicles accounted for over 40% of sales in 19 markets. That’s up from 13 in Q4 2023.

According to Volvo Cars’ chief commercial officer and deputy CEO, the EX30 is helping boost sales. Volvo’s EV sales share hit a record 21% in Q1, with 14,500 EX30 models sold. This was enough to top the EC60 (6,000) while inching closer to the EX40 (17,400).

Volvo's-new-EVs-Ferrari-like
Volvo EX30 (Source: Volvo)

Volvo also began production of its first electric minivan, the EM90, for China. Deliveries began in March. Meanwhile, Volvo is preparing to launch its larger EX90, which is already attracting Ferrari-like wait times.

Volvo's-new-EVs-Ferrari-like
Volvo EX90 (Source: Volvo)

Volvo EX60 to launch as the latest luxury electric SUV

Volvo looks to keep the momentum rolling next year with its new EX60 expected to debut as an all-electric replacement to the hybrid XC60 Recharge.

The new EV will compete against premium SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Porsche Macan EV, and Mercedes-Benz EQC. It will sit between the EX40 and EX90 in Volvo’s expanding EV lineup.

Volvo-Recharge-EVs
Volvo EX40 (Source: Volvo)

According to Auto Express, the new Volvo electric SUV will be based on the larger EX90’s platform, which could pack up to 100 kWh of battery power. Erik Severinson, chief product and strategy officer at Volvo Cars, calls it an “evolution of the Volvo-developed platform.”

Volvo’s EX60 is expected to maintain the brand’s new design elements, such as its Thor Hammer LED headlights, closed grille, and alloy wheels.

At least one thing remains a mystery. Volvo did not confirm if the EX60 would include advanced LIDAR like the EX90. However, Severinson said the brand is exploring “different kinds of sensors going forward.”

Volvo-EM90-electric-minivan
Volvo’s first electric minivan, the EM90 (source: Volvo)

The EX60 will feature a new “structural” battery pack, similar to BYD and Tesla. The design leads to “improved energy density” and “great driveability.”

According to the report, the EX60 could feature up to 400 miles WLTP range. The EX90, with a 107 kWh battery pack, offers up to 364 miles. However, the EX60 is expected to feature a smaller, lighter battery with improved energy density.

Volvo-EX90-price
Volvo EX90 interior (Source: Volvo)

Volvo is moving to use a megacasted rear underfloor for the EX60, a concept used by Tesla, NIO, XPeng, and others. According to Volvo, the new floor design weighs 15 to 20% less than a traditional stamped equivalent.

The method will also increase storage space while speeding up production times. Volvo is expected to launch the EX60 when megacasting production begins next year.

We could see the Volvo EX60 unveiled by the end of the year, with prices and specs arriving at a later date. Check back for more details soon.

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