Rivian drops entry-level R1T and R1S as focus shifts to R2
The EV maker’s Dual Standard variants, which paired a dual-motor powertrain with the smallest battery pack in the lineup, are no longer available to order. The move raises the starting price of both models by around $7000 USD. Prior to being discontinued, the R1T Dual Standard started at $72,990 and the R1S Dual Standard at $76,990. With these trims now gone, the R1T Dual becomes the brand’s entry-level pickup at $79,990, while the R1S Dual starts at $83,990.
The lower price of the Dual Standard models was reflected in their performance. Both models had an EPA-estimated range of 270 miles using Rivian’s LFP battery pack. Customers can now opt for Dual models with the larger battery pack, boosting EPA range to 329 miles.
The decision doesn’t come as a major surprise; Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe previously hinted that relatively few buyers chose the entry-level configurations; and, in March, a company spokesperson told InsideEVs that Rivian would be ‘refining’ its R1 vehicle lineup and “sunsetting the R1 Dual Standard”.
All this makes it clear that Rivian is gearing up for the R2 to become an affordable entry point to its range of EVs. Earlier this month, the company began deliveries of the first R2 Performance ‘Launch Package’ models with a starting price tag of $57,990 – with a lower-cost version targeting a $45,000 price point set to follow.
Within Rivian itself, the company is undergoing its own structural shakeup. Last week, it confirmed another round of redundancies, with several hundred employees set to leave the company.
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