Rivian is gearing up to launch the highly anticipated R2 on March 12, but it looks like they’re also planning to trim the R1 lineup. This is unfortunate, but the company sent out a rather ominous e-mail announcing the “Dual Standard is ending.”

The R1S Dual Standard starts at $76,990 and offers 270 miles (435 km) of range. The R1S Dual, on the other hand, begins at $83,990 and has a larger battery pack that enables owners to travel 329 miles (529 km) on a single charge.

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The R1T Dual Standard also has 270 miles (435 km) of range, but it’s even cheaper as pricing starts at $72,990. Its death will force people to get the R1T Dual, which begins at $79,990.

The automaker isn’t saying much, but confirmed “we have changes coming to our vehicle lineup later this year.” They then suggested customers get an R1 Dual Standard “while you can.”

Rivian went on to promote leases starting at $749 per month for 36 months with a $3,000 incentive on R1T and R1S Dual Standard models ordered by March 19. While there’s enough fine print to call in a lawyer, the company suggested customers could get a new vehicle for only $5,644 due at signing – although that appears to exclude a $1,895 destination fee.

While Rivian didn’t say why they’re apparently discontinuing the R1 Dual Standard, it’s likely in response to the R2. The model is slated to begin around $45,000 and this will undoubtedly pull some customers away from the R1. Eliminating the entry-level R1 helps put some distance between the vehicles, while also simplifying production at the company’s plant in Normal, Illinois.

Electric pickups aren’t exactly inexpensive at this stage in history. Now, Rivian, the first automaker to bring an electric truck to market, is trying to lower the barrier to entry. It’s doing so by extending a short-term deal on its 2026 R1 lineup. Buyers can now get monthly payments starting at $749 for 36 months, along with a $3,000 lease bonus on certain configurations.

Naturally, as with most lease deals splashed across a homepage, the headline number only tells part of the story. To secure that $749 per month figure, you need to opt for the Dual Standard versions of the 2026 R1T pickup or R1S SUV, which start at $72,990 and $76,990, respectively.

The Bit They Do Not Put In The Big Font

Then there is the small issue of $5,644 due at signing, and that is assuming you qualify for Rivian’s $3,000 lease contribution. Miss out on that incentive and the down payment climbs to $8,644.

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Run the numbers and the effective monthly cost lands closer to $906, or $989 if you do not get the $3,000 contribution. In other words, still competitive for a six-figure-adjacent electric truck or SUV, but far from the tidier $749 the banner suggests.

As we have said before, down payments on leases are best avoided. If something unfortunate happens five minutes after you leave the lot, that upfront cash is effectively gone, even if insurance covers the vehicle itself.

Wait, There’s More

Also keep in mind that none of those numbers include the usual extras due at signing, including tax, title, license, registration, and lessor documentation fees. As ever, the asterisk is doing a fair bit of work.

Just as importantly, these trims represent the most affordable way into Rivian’s electric adventure lineup. If you cannot find a base model, the price only moves in one direction. Furthermore, there’s a deadline looming. To qualify, customers must have their lease approved by March 19 and take delivery by March 31. That leaves a fairly tight window to spec it, sign it, and actually get the keys.

This Deal Doesn’t Apply To More Expensive Models

Don’t expect this payment plan to help out on the more luxurious and desirable R1 vehicles. For example, the Dual Large battery versions start around $1,019–$1,029 per month with a hefty downpayment, while stepping into Dual Max models pushes payments past $1,200 monthly. The performance-oriented trims climb even higher.

More: CHP Mocks EV Drivers After Rivian Stalls In Snow

Rivian lists the Tri-motor versions starting around $1,419–$1,469 per month, again with a downpayment, and it doesn’t stop there. The flagship Quad-motor models approach $1,900 per month, depending on whether you choose the truck or SUV. For buyers considering financing instead of leasing, Rivian is also offering APR rates as low as 1.99 percent for 60 months on some configurations.

All of this is no doubt one more example of an electric automaker doing what it can to make payments manageable in a market with cooling demand. That said, interested buyers need to sign up before March 19th if they want to take advantage of the deal.