Will the R2 take advantage of the 2nd generation R1S?

[Universe93B]

I have an Audi SQ5 that I believe is a ticking time bomb about to turn on in 2026 or 2027 and looking at either a Rivian R2 or Model Y.

Most of my neighbors have a R1S or R1T but can't really spend the money for those right now. Are we thinking that the R2 will take advantage of all of the 2nd generation improvements of the R1S? Or is the cost-cutting for the R2 that much that we will have to go through an entire parts/engineering cycle again for the R2? I was hoping we can avoid too many initial production/quality issues now that they are on the 2nd generation of the R1S.

Sponsored

 

[DaveA]

Its going to mirror the new electrical architecture in the R1S and R1T. Basically using current R1s as test vehicles. There should be fewer bugs and issues and with a simplified suspension setup with out air suspension, etc., fewer mechanical noises, issues, etc.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

Tech wise it should be similar. Like was said it won’t have the advanced suspension and it will be a smaller vehicle. R2 will also have all the new ADAS hardware which is important.

R2 is a critically important vehicle for Rivian.

 

[Universe93B]

Tech wise it should be similar. Like was said it won’t have the advanced suspension and it will be a smaller vehicle. R2 will also have all the new ADAS hardware which is important.

R2 is a critically important vehicle for Rivian.

Yep - that’s why I was hoping that the engineering of the 2nd generation of the R1S can mostly help with the R2 reliability. We know that most new EV engineering takes a while to get higher reliability.

That has to be combined with a better Service dealer network.

Both of the above needs to be high for RivIan to survive.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

We know that most new EV engineering takes a while to get higher reliability.

That has to be combined with a better Service dealer network.

Both of the above needs to be high for RivIan to survive.

Agree. The service has to improve if they are to succeed. The vast majority of owners will not tolerate waiting months for an appointment, and having it sit on the service lot for weeks before it’s repaired.

I’m fine with a repair taking a few weeks if that’s necessary but the rental cost and current processes is not sustainable. When I say that I mean both for Rivian on the cost and for the customer experience.

Rivian also has to improve QC to reduce the workloads on the service centers.

At best we are 18 months away from R2 and we could see it within a year. The servicing is what concerns me most about Rivian survival. I think they are making good progress on reducing costs and they are doing well in just about every other area.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

The R2 will be less likely to have issues because the software and computer architecture will be copied from the proven R1 series. Still, the suspension components will be much simpler with coilovers instead of air suspension. The R2 is a simpler car at a lower price point and should have fewer issues.

Things like panel gaps and rattles need to be fixed, though, because although those problems are minor, clogging up the service center is going to harm Rivian.

 

[mkg3]

...Are we thinking that the R2 will take advantage of all of the 2nd generation improvements of the R1S? Or is the cost-cutting for the R2 that much that we will have to go through an entire parts/engineering cycle again for the R2? ...

The R2 architecture will be completely new from R1. The R1 gen 2 is a patch work on the existing design. R2 is a clean sheet. Clearly there will be some de-contenting from R1 features.

R2 will be far more efficient design that, cost less to produce and be designed for low cost manufacturing, unlike R1.

There will be commonality between the R2/R3/R3X family and probably yet to be revealed derivatives variants.

Personally, I do not have a reservation nor do I want an R2/3/3X - I have no need for any of these and already own R1S. I do hope that it's a massive hit for Rivian (I own underwater stocks).

 

[Discover]

wondering if the R2 will have higher trims that do have air suspension

 

[HaveBlue]

I've had great service experiences. One emergency one for a motor sensor. They picked up the car in an hour but it did have to sit for a week before a tech could get to it. Second was mobile service for a tailgate adjustment. Third was a service bulletin and they had the car back to me in a couple of days. Although the scheduling is longer for non critical stuff, it's not like I can't drive it.

The R2 will be simplified and a lot of that will be good for reliability. I have friends waiting on them based on my recommendations. I'd buy one, but already have an R1.

 

[M3_R2]

I have a Rivian service center an hour away and even then it makes me hesitate a bit though the same was true for my first Tesla. Reservation holders will become one of Rivian's best assets if they can deliver a great vehicle with few issues and good, timely service.

 

[emoore]

I really hope the R2 is much simplified from the R1. I love my R1T but I don't need an air suspension or some of the other luxury features. I'd be happy with a simple suspension, fast charging, long range, and a lot of cargo space. Basically I'm looking for a 4runner mechanical with a Rivian drive train. Although the heated steering wheel is nice.

 

[NY_Rob]

I have an Audi SQ5 that I believe is a ticking time bomb about to turn on in 2026 or 2027 and looking at either a Rivian R2 or Model Y.

Most of my neighbors have a R1S or R1T but can't really spend the money for those right now.

You're looking to replace your Audi in 2026 or 2027 right?
You like the R1 Series but it's too pricey right?

So, buy a used "pre-cared for" 2024 Gen 2 R1T or R1S in 2026 for $50K which is what the smaller R2 will be selling for new.

Sponsored