Just unveiled, the new Rivian R2 and R3 electric cars tell us a little more about them. We discover in particular that they are equipped with locations designed to install accessories such as a bicycle rack or a roof tent connected to the car battery. And all without the need for tools.
Have you ever heard of Rivian? If the answer is negative, this is completely normal because the brand is not currently sold in Europe. Currently, it offers two models, namely the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV.
Accessories for adventure
If the American firm, Tesla’s rival, is not really in the best of shape, it is not giving up, quite the contrary. It has also just lifted the veil on two new cars positioned under its existing models, in order to win over new customers and get back on track. These are the R2 and R3, which is also available in a more efficient X version.
These cars will indeed be marketed in Europe, with the small SUV R3 which will arrive after the R2, which will not see the light of day before at least 2027. This therefore gives us something to see ahead, while the manufacturer continues to distill new information on these two newcomers. On his X account (formerly Twitter)Rivian indeed indicates that the two vehicles will be equipped with a very clever functionality.
These are simply locations specially designed to install accessories. It could be a bicycle rack as shown in the first official images. But that’s not all, as brand enthusiast Chris Hilbert has released more images on social network. We see a roof tent specifically designed for the R2 and R3, which should be able to be installed using these dedicated locations. The latter should be able to accommodate approximately two people.
It is equipped with lighting,a heated inflatable mattress and a solid structure. This guarantees great strength and also allows films to be projected directly on the side during nature excursions. However, Rivian has not yet clarified whether its two electric SUVs feature bi-directional charging. Which could be used to power an overhead projector, but also a stove as we can see in the images.
Impressive towing capacity
We will probably have to wait a little longer before knowing a little more and knowing the complete list of accessories offered by the manufacturer. But they should not be given, since Chris Hilbert is banking on a prize of 5,000 dollars for the roof tent, that of the R1 is already priced at $2,800. But a question arises for future buyers: will the Rivian R2 and R3 be able to tow heavy loads?
For the moment, it is rumored that the two electric SUVs, which should notably compete with the Tesla Model Y, are not capable of doing so at the moment. And the reason is simple, since the prototypes are not not equipped with equipment allowing them to tow. However, this should change when they are marketed. Thus, the enthusiast of the brand expects a capacity of between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds, i.e. approximately 1,814 to 2,720 kilos.
The specialist expects 2,267 kilos for the two vehicles, which is much higher than the Tesla Model Y. For the record, the electric SUV can reach 3,500 pounds, or only 1,587 kilos. Which is still quite little compared to what Rivian cars would be capable of. However, you will need to have a little more patience before knowing more.
In any case, the R3 has many particularly practical elements, such as the opening rear window. Technical data is still quite scarce on both vehicles at the moment.