Rivian has released a behind-the-scenes video offering a rare glimpse into the development of its upcoming R2 electric compact crossover, set to launch in 2026 with a targeted MSRP of $45,000. Designed to compete directly with the Tesla Model Y – the world’s best-selling vehicle – the Rivian R2 is shaping up to be a serious contender. With bold styling, clever engineering, and a strong brand following, the R2 could outsell the Model Y in markets where both are offered, assuming Rivian can ramp up production quickly enough to meet demand.
The new video, found at the bottom of the post, takes us on a journey from the studio where the design was dreamed up, to the powertrain lab where the R2’s new Maximus motor is being developed, and finally to the electrical lab where Rivian is cooking up the vehicle’s complete software and hardware stack.
Everything In-House
What sets Rivian apart from most other automakers is that the company strives to design and develop almost the entirety of its vehicles in-house. The one key area where outsourcing still plays a major role is batteries. In the case of the R2, Rivian will source cylindrical cells with a 4695 format (46-millimeter diameter and 95-millimeter height) from LG Energy Solution in a deal announced last year.
According to Rivian, in-house development means the company doesn’t have to make compromises and can roll out changes much faster. It also provides Rivian with the opportunity to license its technology to other companies, which it is doing with its software and hardware stack. Volkswagen Group plans to use it in future electric vehicles.
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MSP And Maximus
The R2 will be the first vehicle built on Rivian’s next-generation MSP (Midsize Platform), designed to deliver flexibility and efficiency. In the R2, the platform will support single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations, over 300 miles of range, 10-80% charging in under 30 minutes, and a high level of automated driving capability.
The R2 also marks the debut of Rivian’s new Maximus motor, engineered to be both compact and highly efficient. According to the company, Maximus is 40% more power dense than the Enduro motor used in the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, and is also cheaper to manufacture. This innovation plays a key role in enabling Rivian to hit aggressive cost and performance targets with the R2.
Rivian’s First Global Star
Unlike the R1 line, which is largely limited to North America, the R2 will be sold globally. The company has already confirmed plans to sell the vehicle in Europe following the initial North American launch and has stated that more markets will follow. A smaller R3, which will include a rugged R3X variant, is also in development for both local and global markets.
The company needs a boost, as sales of its R1 line have dropped sharply in 2025. Rivian reported deliveries of only 8,640 units in the first quarter – a 36% year-over-year decline – though the figure slightly exceeded the company’s projection of 8,000. Rivian still expects to meet its full-year delivery guidance of around 46,000 to 51,000 vehicles.
Sources: Rivian
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