Rivian's anticipated R2 electric SUV won't be a one-model offering. CEO RJ Scaringe revealed to Reuters that the company is developing an R2X variant along with other combinations, while stopping short of formal announcements. Rivian is also exploring in-house lidar sensor production in partnership with a Chinese company.

The base R2 launches next year from Rivian's Illinois facility, which can produce 155,000 units annually alongside R1 vehicles and delivery vans. Starting in 2028, future R2 and R3 models will shift to a new Georgia factory funded by a $4.5 billion Department of Energy loan.

The Georgia plant will eventually build 300,000 vehicles yearly, providing ample capacity for Rivian's expanding lineup. It will also handle Uber's $1.25 billion robotaxi order. By offering multiple R2 variants from a single platform, Rivian appears to be mirroring BMW's strategy of maximizing platform efficiency across model ranges.

Initial R2 models will compete against BMW's iX3 and other luxury electric SUVs, positioning Rivian for broader market penetration beyond its premium pickup origins.