New Entry-Level R1T And R1S Introduced By Rivian

While Rivian is preparing to launch its smaller SUV, the R2, next month, that doesn’t mean the work stops when it comes to its bigger siblings, the R1T and R1S. Both vehicles were just given a new battery option, and as a result, the entry-point pricing got a little bit friendlier.

Two new entry-level trims are joining both the R1S and R1T lineups; they are called Standard and Standard+. The Standard trim comes with a smaller, 106-kWh battery pack, which, according to Rivian, can deliver 270 miles of range on a single charge. This battery is only available with the 533 hp twin-motor powertrain, and the acceleration time to 60 mph remains unchanged at 4.5 seconds.

The Standard+ trim is available with both the 533 hp powertrain and the 665 hp Performance version. The 121 kWh battery pack can deliver as much as 507 km of range with the 533 hp setup on the standard 21” rims wrapped in road tires. Going for 22” wheels means dropping the range down to 483 km, and interestingly, the 20” wheels with all-terrain tires are only available with the 655 hp powertrain; that configuration means 451 km of range.

The new battery options extend the R1T and R1S lineup to 4 different versions, together with the existing Large trim and its 135 kWh capacity, and the Max option with 149 kWh battery. Both R1S and R1T Standard now qualify for the partial EV federal tax credit of $3,750, making them the cheapest Rivians so far.

March 7 marks a new chapter in Rivian’s short history. The company will introduce its smaller SUV to the North American market with a much lower entry price. The R2 is only the first vehicle to be built on the new platform, with more models to follow. The company did promise a while back the R2 should start at around $40,000, but as we have seen so many times already, price promises don’t stand the test of time either.

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