Rivian started producing "manufacturing validation builds" of the R2 at its plant in Normal, Illinois, on Thursday. It's a big step toward full-scale production. The R2 will start around $45,000, and Rivian reiterated plans for customer deliveries to start in the first half of this year. The Rivian R2 is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles of 2026 and a make-or-break product for the startup.
I feel like Volvo has gotten a bad rap here at InsideEVs. My colleagues, Mack Hogan and Patrick George have had middling experiences with the brand's latest wares, ranging from catastrophic and non-functional software in the EX90 to straight-up not really liking what the EX30 had to offer the market. Still, there is a diversity of opinion here at InsideEVs.
When the new Chevy Bolt arrives early next year, it will start at $29,995, making it one of the most affordable new EVs in the U.S. It's thousands of dollars cheaper than Tesla's "affordable" new versions of its Model 3 and Model Y. It's also significantly less expensive than the average gas car, and like other EVs, it's cheaper to operate.
Tesla's price point for its "more affordable" models is still higher than Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, floated in 2020. The reasons for these sticky prices may be bigger than Tesla. On Tuesday, Tesla launched "standard" versions of the Model Y and Model 3, at $39,990 and $36,990, respectively. The "standard" models are between $5,000 and $5,500 cheaper than the flagship versions - sans Autosteer and a radio - and the market was not enthusiastic.
There are additional compartments located under the rear-trunk floorboard that offer some extra room to stuff items into, which was demonstrated by this Rivian R1S driver who took the SUV model out for a test Costco run. As delineated in the clip, he was able to fit in a good amount of products from the retail chain, all without having to adjust the children's car seats in the vehicle.
