Rivian has unveiled the R2, its next-generation platform. The all-electric crossover is expected to bring Rivian into the next chapter of its growth as an automaker. It is also expected to allow Rivian to scale its operations, making it a mainstream automaker.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe presented the R2 to an enthusiastic audience. Following is a quick overview of the Rivian R2.
Exterior
The Rivian R2 looks very similar to the Rivian R1S. Just like the flagship SUV, it features a large frunk that could fit some luggage and gear. At the rear, the R2 includes some features that provide an open-air experience, such as quarter windows that pop out and a rear glass window that drops down. The drop-down rear glass of the R2 also makes loading items to the all-electric crossover’s trunk much easier.
Introducing R2.
⚡️0-60 under 3 seconds.
⚡️Up to 300+ miles of range.
⚡️Room for five and all your gear.
Reserve yours now: https://t.co/1H408AWcA4
Deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2026. The features, options and digital displays shown are subject to… pic.twitter.com/xC5ZjyaoCL— Rivian (@Rivian) March 7, 2024
Size-wise, Scaringe noted that the Rivian R2 is about 400 mm (15.7 inches) shorter than the R1S. A slide used in the presentation noted that the R2 has a length of 4715 mm (185.6 inches), a height of 1700 mm (66 inches), and a wheelbase of 2935 mm (115.5 inches). This should make the all-electric crossover easier to maneuver and drive. Its compact size should also help it fit in tight spaces and garages.
Interior
The Rivian executive noted that despite its more compact dimensions compared to the R1S, the R2 is designed to feel spacious inside. “It feels so inviting,” Scaringe said. Like the R1T and R1S that came before it, the R2 is also a vehicle that’s designed to be taken outdoors. It was thus no surprise to see that the R2’s second and first-row seats are capable of folding flat for an optimal car camping experience.
Take a 360-degree tour of R2. pic.twitter.com/euyJkScRYq— Rivian (@Rivian) March 7, 2024
Much to the amusement of the audience, Scaringe noted that the R2 features two gloveboxes and Rivian’s trademark in-door flashlight. Steering wheel controls are dominated by two large scroll wheels, which is not unlike what’s used in the previous generation Tesla Model 3. Scaringe also noted that the R2 features 11 cameras and a suite of five radar sensors, four in the corners and one long range radar in front. The cameras and radar should help the Rivian R2’s planned self-driving features.
Specs
Scaringe did not share much about the Rivian R2’s specs, though he did state that the vehicle would be equipped with a battery pack comprised of 4695 cylindrical cells, which are larger than the 21 mm cells used in the R1 platform. It should also be noted that the Rivian R2 will feature a structural bombardment pack, which means that the top of the battery will be the floor of the vehicle itself.
Every seat in R2 can lay flat for the ultimate car camping experience. pic.twitter.com/hDH3c17y5N— Rivian (@Rivian) March 7, 2024
The Rivian R2 will be offered in three versions: a Single Motor Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) variant, a Dual Motor All Wheel Drive (AWD) variant, and a Tri-Motor variant with two motors on the back and one motor at the front. Scaringe noted that all three R2 variants are expected to achieve over 300 miles of range. The Tri-Motor R2 is expected to achieve a 0-60 mph time of less than 3 seconds.
Price and Release Date
The Rivian R2 is expected to start at $45,000. While Scaringe did not discuss details on the vehicle’s pricing, this amount is likely true for the entry-level RWD version. Still, $45,000 is quite competitive, as the Tesla Model Y, a best-selling all-electric crossover, starts at $43,990 before options today.
Feel the breeze from all directions with the R2’s 360-degree open air experience, including powered rear glass. pic.twitter.com/GMKOEg5HpW— Rivian (@Rivian) March 7, 2024
Scaringe noted that the Rivian R2 is expected to start deliveries in the second half of 2026. The vehicle will initially be built at Rivian’s Normal, IL facility.
Watch Rivian’s R2 unveiling in the video below.
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Tesla just gave what is perhaps its biggest signal yet that the launch of the Cybercab, its autonomous ride-hailing-geared car, is imminent.
The Cybercab has been spotted outside of Gigafactory Texas in massive numbers over the past few days, with hundreds of units being stored on property just days after the vehicle received a Certificate of Conformity from the EPA.
Today, things were a bit different.
Cybercabs spotted on Giga Texas property today had an addition: a Cybercab decal on the side, reminiscent of the “Robotaxi” ones that were placed on Model Ys just as the company launched its ride-sharing platform about a year ago.
Giga Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer noticed the change today:
Tesla Cybercabs are now getting “Cybercab” logos on the side of them!
Tesla did the same with Model Ys that were given “Robotaxi” logos: https://t.co/DanANtw1m7 pic.twitter.com/FqOhH0S9Ks
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 19, 2026
Tesla could be signaling that the Cybercab is preparing to enter the Robotaxi fleet in the coming weeks or months with this move. It seems more symbolic than anything; Tesla is ready to throw Cybercabs in the ride-hailing platform just as it did with Model Ys last year.
The addition of the Certificate of Conformity awarded to the Cybercab is another major factor working to Tesla’s advantage. The company now has permission from the EPA to allow the vehicle to operate on public roads and enter the chain of commerce. It’s officially street legal.
Tesla Cybercab specs revealed: range, curb weight, range ratings, and more
The big question that remains is whether Tesla will be able to operate the car without a safety monitor, especially considering it plans to put the car out there without a steering wheel or pedals. With the Cybercab only having a seating capacity of two, it is hard to believe Tesla will even consider putting a Safety Monitor in the car.
It did recently self-certify as Level 4 and has the ability to operate driverless vehicles in the State of Texas under a law that took effect on May 28. You can read more about that here:
Tesla’s Robotaxi dreams just took a massive step toward reality
We’d imagine Cybercabs will be on the roads as soon as July, but August will likely be a better estimate of when the car will be entered into the Cybercab fleet. It all depends at where Tesla is, as they’ve truly prioritized safety with the rollout of the Robotaxi platform.
Elon Musk has publicly questioned Moody’s credit assessments following the rating agency’s decision to assign SpaceX a Baa1 investment-grade rating, two notches above Tesla’s Baa3. The comments came amid discussions comparing the two companies’ financial profiles.
SpaceX earned its first-time Baa1 rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s. The agency highlighted the company’s leadership in orbital launches, the growing recurring revenue from its Starlink satellite network, strong vertical integration, U.S. government contracts, and emerging opportunities in AI infrastructure.
These factors were cited as supporting robust cash flows, margin expansion, and financial flexibility.
Musk responded directly: “Tesla’s credit rating is ridiculously low tbh,” and added, “Yeah, makes no sense. Tesla has over $40B in cash, no debt, and is consistently profitable!” His remarks underscored Tesla’s balance sheet strength and profitability at a time when many traditional automakers continue to report losses in the shift to electric vehicles.
Yeah, makes no sense.
Tesla has over $40B in cash, no debt and is consistently profitable!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2026
Tesla maintains a leading position in the global EV market, with diversification into energy and storage, battery technology, and robotics through projects like Optimus. Recent financial updates show the company generated positive free cash flow of $1.4 billion in Q1 2026, supported by operating cash flow of $3.9 billion. Cash and short-term investments stood at approximately $44.7 billion.
Moody’s has affirmed Tesla’s Baa3 issuer rating with a stable outlook in periodic reviews, acknowledging the company’s EV leadership, technology strengths, including AI for autonomous vehicles, solid profitability, and strong liquidity.
Tesla (TSLA) scores Baa3 Moody’s rating for ‘stable’ outlook
However, the agency has also noted challenges in the automotive segment and expectations for margin pressures.
Musk’s critique highlights a common debate about how traditional rating methodologies apply to high-growth, capital-intensive technology companies. SpaceX benefits from long-term government-backed contracts and diversified, recurring revenue streams, while Tesla’s valuation reflects heavy investment in future technologies such as autonomy and robotics.
Both ratings remain investment-grade, yet the one-notch difference has fueled online discussion about potential inconsistencies in evaluating innovative firms.
The exchange comes as SpaceX explores financing options following its recent valuation milestones, while Tesla continues executing on its multi-year roadmap. Musk’s pointed response serves as a reminder that credit ratings, though influential for borrowing costs, represent one lens through which markets assess corporate strength—and that company leaders often view their financial positions through the lens of long-term innovation and cash generation rather than short-term risk metrics alone.
A new report from Reuters claims that a transport authority in Sweden is pushing back against the approval of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite because it will travel over speed limits.
The report says the Swedish Transport Administration (TRV) recommends the European Union votes against FSD’s approval. TRV believes it should not be approved until Tesla disables FSD’s ability to speed.
TRV sent a letter to the European Union’s Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles (TCMV), which is set to meet on June 30 to discuss the potential approval of the Tesla FSD suite in the country. Tesla, which has received various approvals in Europe over the past two months, has not provided a comment.
Teslas operating on FSD do travel over the speed limit, depending on the Speed Profile that is chosen. Drivers have the ability to disengage FSD at any point; Tesla specifically states that those supervising the suite are responsible for its actions.
Let’s cut to the chase: humans operating any vehicle speed almost daily in the United States. Realistically, speed limits in the U.S. are more frequently treated as speed minimums. However, other countries are different, and driving behaviors are less aggressive.
TRV believes that “allowing automated systems to systematically exceed legal speed limits…risks undermining both the legal framework and the expected safety benefits of vehicle automation,” the report stated. It’s surprising that Tesla has not received this claim from other countries previously.
This could be a good argument to bring Max Speed back, the setting that previously allowed the driver to choose the absolute fastest the car would travel.
This would still put the responsibility of supervision in the hands of the driver. It would allow the driver to choose whether the car would travel over the speed limit or not, acknowledging that they set the speed, and if they get pulled over, there would be no ability to argue it.
However, it does not seem as if this is something Tesla will do, especially considering many U.S. drivers have requested the feature in an effort to eliminate speeding or at least tone it down. The company has not shown any interest in bringing it back.
Tesla has approvals for FSD in Europe in Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Tesla Cybercab launch is imminent after latest sighting at Giga Texas
Elon Musk says this part of Tesla ‘makes no sense’
