Some automakers have caved to buyer demand and started bringing physical buttons back, including VW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai. Rivian, on the other hand, has no interest in joining them, insisting its advanced AI-driven voice assistant is simply a better way to control a vehicle’s functions.

While recently speaking with Rivian’s chief software officer, and co-CEO of the Rivian and VW joint venture, Wassym Bensaid, The Verge dug into the new Rivian Assistant, which rolled out to existing R1 models in mid-May. It’s built on a shared, multimodal AI foundation and can handle core vehicle functions, HVAC included.

Read: For $50 A Month, Rivian Will Make You A Passenger In Your Own EV

Existing Rivian R1 models, along with the new R2, are largely free of physical buttons, and given the brand’s commitment to its new assistant, that isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

“I deeply believe that voice has the chance to be the primary interface in the car,” Bensaid told The Verge. “I also think that buttons can exist, but they shouldn’t be the primary way with which you interact with the car. I think there’s more that is possible with voice since you can do more than one single function. You don’t have to fiddle with so many functions.”

Are Scroll Wheels The Solution?

“You don’t have to go deep into the touchscreen to look into specific features. A great voice experience can elevate all of that, allow users to talk to the car as a human would, and really take the overall experience to the next level,” he added.

Bensaid went on to note that in the R2, there are no traditional HVAC buttons; instead, the large scroll wheels on the steering wheel can be used to adjust settings like fan speed on the fly. While not quite a button, they do seem like a better solution than tapping on a small icon on the touchscreen to tweak the fan speed.

According to Rivian, “the only reason that drivers and consumers do not interact with the car through voice is that, to put it really bluntly, the technology has been broken,” up until this point. A key difference between Rivian’s Assistant and those of competitors is that it uses its own Android-based infotainment system, which doesn’t offer support for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, so the AI-assistant works seamlessly regardless of what screen is displayed.

Rivian also points out that the system takes a more conversational approach than traditional voice assistants. Instead of barking “Open the frunk,” for instance, you can simply say “I have a bag in the front of the car,” and the assistant will pop the frunk for you. It all sounds rather slick, though we’d still take a few physical buttons. What about you?

Some car manufacturers have caved to demand from buyers to bring back physical buttons, including VW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Hyundai. Rivian doesn’t seem interested in following suit, declaring that its advanced AI-driven voice assistant system is a better way to control a vehicle’s functions.

While recently speaking with Rivian’s chief software officer, and the co-CEO of the Rivian and VW joint venture, Wassym Bensaid, The Verge dived head-first into the new Rivian Assistant, introduced to existing R1 models in mid-May. It’s built on a shared, multimodal AI foundation and can control core vehicle functions, including HVAC.

Read: For $50 A Month, Rivian Will Make You A Passenger In Your Own EV

Existing Rivian R1 models, as well as the new R2, are largely devoid of physical buttons, and given the brand’s commitment to its new assistant, it doesn’t appear as though this will change.

“I deeply believe that voice has the chance to be the primary interface in the car,” Bensaid told The Verge. “I also think that buttons can exist, but they shouldn’t be the primary way with which you interact with the car. I think there’s more that is possible with voice since you can do more than one single function. You don’t have to fiddle with so many functions.”

Are Scroll Wheels The Solution?

“You don’t have to go deep into the touchscreen to look into specific features. A great voice experience can elevate all of that, allow users to talk to the car as a human would, and really take the overall experience to the next level,” he added.

Bensaid went on to note that in the R2, there are no traditional HVAC buttons; instead, the large scroll wheels on the steering wheel can be used to adjust settings like fan speed on the fly. While not quite a button, they do seem like a better solution than tapping on a small icon on the touchscreen to tweak the fan speed.

According to Rivian, “the only reason that drivers and consumers do not interact with the car through voice is that, to put it really bluntly, the technology has been broken,” up until this point. A key difference between Rivian’s Assistant and those of competitors is that it uses its own Android-based infotainment system, which doesn’t offer support for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, so the AI-assistant works seamlessly regardless of what screen is displayed.

Rivian also notes that it provides a more conversational approach than traditional voice assistant systems. For example, you don’t have to say “Open the frunk,” and can instead say “I have a bag in the front of the car,” and the system will automatically open the frunk. It all sounds rather nice, but we’d still prefer some physical buttons. What about you?

Rivian is gearing up to launch the highly-anticipated R2 on June 9. That means we’re less than two weeks away from order invitations going out and demo drives beginning.

With sales right around the corner, the automaker is informing customers of how things will progress. Order invitations will go out on a “rolling basis,” which will be sent in batches as deliveries ramp up.

More: A Tornado Hit Rivian’s Factory, But It Didn’t Stop The R2 From Going Into Production

Rivian went on to explain that your location and when you made a reservation are the “primary factors that determine when you receive your invite.” The automaker added that customers located near Rivian service and demonstration centers will generally receive invitations sooner as this allows them to deliver vehicles more quickly in the initial ramp up period. R1 owners will also be given priority as well as customers with expiring leases.

As the automaker has previously explained, the first models will be R2 Performance SUVs with the Launch Package. The R2 Premium will arrive late this year, while the R2 Standard will follow in 2027.

If customers prefer to wait for a future version, they’ll be notified once it becomes available to order. Once customers make an order and it’s confirmed, delivery should occur within 2–6 weeks.

While many customers still have a wait ahead of them, they can schedule a test drive in an R2. Priority will be given to reservation holders who have been invited to order their vehicle.

Configurator

Besides telling fans what to expect in the days and weeks ahead, Rivian launched the R2 configurator. It echoes the one for the R1 lineup and allows customers to select between Performance, Premium, and Standard trims.

The R2 Performance is offered with six colors at launch, but only Esker Silver is free. The remaining hues cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

It’s a similar story inside as the model comes standard with a Black Crater Signature interior. It you want the warmer Coastal Cloud Signature cabin, you’ll have to shell out an additional $1,000 and wait until later this year.

While the R2 Performance comes well-equipped, you’ll need to spend $755 to get a spare tire. An 11.5 kW wall charger will set you back $800, while floor mats cost $225.

As a refresher, the R2 Performance starts at $57,990 and has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and have a range of 330 miles (531 km).

Rivian broke the mold by bringing the R1T, an electric pickup truck, to market before anyone else. Now, it’s trying to gain a far more stable foothold in the industry with its all-new R2. A new report sheds light on how Rivian cut costs but evidently not quality in this new SUV. According to the brand, it costs around half as much to build as the R1S despite keeping the performance and utility that fans love.

At the core of the R2’s cost-cutting approach is ruthless simplification. Rivian says its new zonal electrical architecture slashes wiring complexity, trimming 2.3 miles of harness length and reducing connectors by 60%. High-voltage cabling is down 70% thanks to consolidating multiple power modules into a single unit.

The same philosophy carries over to the powertrain. Rivian’s new “Maximus” drive unit uses 41% fewer parts than the Enduro units found in the R1 lineup. By integrating the inverter directly into the drive unit and even using its housing as a mounting structure, Rivian cuts both material cost and assembly time.

Read: Rivian Lost $416 Million Last Quarter And Just Bet Bigger On Georgia

According to InsideEVs, even the sensors got a rethink. Swapping ultrasonic sensors for corner radars yields a claimed 50% cost reduction, a move that reflects a broader trend toward fewer, more capable components. In theory, that could help Rivian reduce repair costs, a known concern for the brand.

The front suspension ditches the more complex double-wishbone setup used in the R1 for a simpler MacPherson strut design, cutting costs by 70%. Large die-cast sections reduce underbody part count by 90%, while rear doors shed 65% of their complexity.

There’s also a less glamorous but equally important factor: scale. When Rivian launched the R1T and R1S, it was a newcomer building expensive, low-volume vehicles. Now, with higher production targets in sight, it can negotiate better supplier pricing.

Something as basic as a windshield reportedly costs half as much on the R2 compared to the R1. Add in the fact that the R2 is simply smaller, and therefore uses fewer raw materials, and the math starts to make sense. At this point, all that’s left is to see how Rivian executes on production and sales.

The R2 recently went into production in Normal, Illinois, and Rivian expects it to be a success. As a result, they’ve announced a new plan for their Stanton Springs North plant in Georgia.

Under the new strategy, the automaker is increasing the plant’s initial production capacity to 300,000 vehicles annually. That’s 100,000 units more than the original target and Rivian said the change will “facilitate a lower cost per unit, while also providing significant room for future expansion of capacity in later phases.”

More: Biden Admin Finalized Rivian’s $6.6 Billion Loan Before Trump Took Office

As part of the change, Rivian worked closely with the Department of Energy to update its original $6.6 billion loan. Its value has been reduced to $4.5 billion and is “aligned with the updated facility design and roadmap for the initial phase.”

The devil is in the details, with CNBC reporting that the loan was originally structured for two phases of production and an annual capacity of 400,000 units. The new agreement reportedly just has one phase and enables Rivian to “draw on the loan sooner and have greater initial production.”

Rivian expects to start using those funds in 2027, and the plant is scheduled to begin production in late 2028. Vertical construction is set to begin this spring, and “preparations are underway for the development of the stamping press area, one of the most capital-intensive and technically demanding projects within the plant from a construction perspective.”

Q1 Results

Besides the Georgia plant changes, Rivian announced its first-quarter results. The automaker built 10,236 vehicles and delivered 10,365 to customers.

Consolidated revenue increased 11% to $1.38 billion, and the company posted a $416 million net loss for the quarter. That’s down from a $541 loss in Q1 2025, but they “benefited from a $506 million gain in other income related to the Series A capital raise and related deconsolidation of Mind Robotics.”

Their outlook for 2026 isn’t stellar as they’re expecting to deliver between 62,000 and 67,000 vehicles. While those are decent numbers, their adjusted EBITDA is a $1.8 – $2.1 billion loss.

When Rivian unveiled the production R2 last month, the company briefly mentioned a Launch Package. With production now underway, the automaker has circled back and provided a few more details.

For a “limited time,” the Launch Package comes standard on the R2 Performance and effectively rewards early owners for their vote of confidence. As their way of saying thanks, Rivian throws in a handful of extra features at no-cost.

More: Rivian R2 Goes Into Production As A Make Or Break Electric Vehicle

Most of the upgrades are relatively minor, but consumers will receive a special key fob that resembles a carabiner and features a green anodized finish. It appears to be contrasted by a golden accent on the lower half.

Customers will also find a standard tow package, which is typically an option on the R2 Performance. It enables the electric crossover to tow up to 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg), which is considerably more than the Jeep Recon’s rating of 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg).

One of the biggest upgrades is a lifetime subscription to Autonomy+. This provides Universal Hands-Free driving on over 3.5 million miles (5.6 million km) of roads in the United States and Canada.

Autonomy+ normally costs $49.99 per month or $2,500 as part of a one-time purchase. As a result, it’s free inclusion in the Launch Package is a pretty big deal.

Last but not least, customers can get their R2 in Launch Green. The hue debuted on Launch versions of the R1 and will be an extra cost upgrade. Rivian hasn’t said how much it will cost, but noted the model will also be offered in Esker Silver, Catalina Cove, Half Moon Grey, Glacier White, Midnight, and Forest Green.

As a refresher, the R2 Performance starts at $57,990 and features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. It enables the crossover to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and travel up to 330 miles (531 km) on a single charge.

Other highlights include Matrix LED headlights, integrated tow hooks, and a rear liftgate with drop down glass. They’re joined by Compass Yellow accents and 21-inch wheels.

The interior is available in two colors known as Black Crater and Coastal Cloud. Both feature Birch wood trim and “soft textile accents.” They’re joined by 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation as well as heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. Buyers will also find a nine-speaker premium audio system and a flashlight integrated into the driver’s door.

A little over two years after unveiling the R2 concept, the production model is now being built in Normal, Illinois. That’s particularly impressive considering a tornado hit and damaged the facility last Friday.

Rivian didn’t have much to say about the production process itself, but noted the first vehicles will undergo a series of final quality and validation checks. If everything pans out, the first customer deliveries will begin later this spring.

More: Rivian’s Most Affordable Model Arrives First In Its Most Expensive Form

The automaker called production a “milestone moment” for the R2 and said it means the “manufacturing process has been verified, every weld has been checked, every software string has been validated, and every interior material has been scrutinized to meet the high bar we set for ourselves and for you, our community.”

Rivian’s COO Javier Varela went further as he said the R2 “represents a major advance in engineering excellence and manufacturing efficiency, driving meaningful improvements in cost and quality.” Those sentiments were echoed by CEO RJ Scaringe, who called the vehicle “incredible.” The executive added he can’t wait until customers get their hands on the EV.

The R2 is being launched in $57,990 Performance guise, which features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 3.6 seconds and have a range of up to 330 miles (531 km).

The range-topping variant comes nicely equipped with a Black Crater Signature interior with Birch wood trim as well as 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation. They’re joined by heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a nine-speaker premium audio system.

Early models also come with a Launch Package, which includes a lifetime subscription to Autonomy+ as well as a towing package that enables the crossover to haul 4,400 lb (1,996 kg). Buyers will also find a green anodized key fob as well as an available Launch Green paint job.

A more affordable R2 Premium is scheduled to follow later this year. It starts at $53,990 and has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 450 hp (356 kW / 456 PS) and 537 lb-ft (727 Nm) of torque.

The R2 Standard lineup is set to arrive in 2027 and offer Short and Long Range variants. The former will cost “around $45,000” and have a range in excess of 275 miles (443 km).

Rivian has high hopes for the R2, and they have reason to be excited as the model easily beats the Jeep Recon on paper. However, it appears Mother Nature isn’t a fan.

According to a company e-mail, Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, was hit by a tornado on April 17. The national weather service reports a supercell traveled across the state on Friday night and spawned 25 tornados.

More: Rivian’s Most Affordable Model Arrives First In Its Most Expensive Form

The tornado that struck the plant started at 9:57 pm and was an EF1 twister that produced winds up to 110 mph (177 km/h). It traveled 10.3 miles (16.6 km) and was 800 yards (2,400 feet) wide. The government said it “damaged several metal buildings,” caused significant tree damage, and flipped over a semi on I-55.

Pictures posted on the Rivian Forums show a section of the exterior wall collapsed and the ceiling partially caved in. There’s also debris in the surrounding area, as well as a flipped-over semi-trailer, and damage to another building.

In a message seen by CNBC, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said “Building 2 has sustained damage and is closed for the time being as we complete our assessments.” He added, “I am incredibly relieved to share that there were no injuries at our plant.”

Damage reportedly occurred in areas related to “parts storage and logistics” for the R2. While the pictures look pretty bad, Scaringe suggested operations in these sections could resume as early as this week.

The R2 will be launched in $57,990 Performance guise, featuring an 87.9 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor powertrain with 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. This enables it to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in as little as 3.6 seconds and have a range of up to 330 miles (531 km).

Additional variants will follow, including an R2 Standard Short Range in late 2027. It’s slated to cost around $45,000 and have a range in excess of 275 miles (443 km).

In a market where electric SUVs are starting to blur into one another, standing out is no longer optional. The Rivian R2 is a pivotal model for the brand, bringing its EV technology into a smaller, more affordable package. If Rivian wants to grow into a true volume manufacturer and challenge legacy players, the R2 needs to land with buyers.

Its biggest hurdle is persuading shoppers to choose it over the Model Y, still America’s best-selling EV by a wide margin that even Tesla’s own Model 3 does not approach, let alone anything else. As these side-by-side photos of an R2 and a Model Y show, the pair have similar footprints but look absolutely nothing alike.

Read: Rivian R2 And Jeep Recon Solve The Same Problem, But Which One Solves It For You?

These photos, captured by Reddit user SciencesNotStudies at Rivian’s headquarters, show both vehicles charging next to each other. Whereas Tesla opted for a sleek profile in the Model Y, making it look like a bloated Model 3 rather than a traditional SUV, the Rivian R2 is very different. It’s boxier, stands taller, and is much more upright, looking just like the R1, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.

Interestingly, the Model Y is slightly longer than the R2, measuring 188.6 inches (4,790 mm) compared to the Rivian’s 185.9 inches (4,722 mm). The R2 is also slightly narrower at 75 inches (1,905 mm), versus 75.6 inches (1,920 mm) for the Tesla.

The biggest gap appears in height, with the R2 standing 66.9 inches (1,700 mm) tall compared to the Model Y’s 63.9 inches (1,624 mm). The Rivian’s wheelbase is also 1.8 inches longer, at 115.6 inches (2,935 mm) compared to 113.8 inches (2,890 mm) for the Tesla.

The ground clearance also differs dramatically between the pair. Like the R1, the R2 has been designed to be right at home off-roading, offering 9.6 inches (245 mm) of clearance compared to the Model Y’s 6.0 inches (152 mm).

What About Performance?

The first version of the R2 to be sold, the Performance Launch Edition, rocks a pair of electric motors delivering 656 hp and an 88.7 kWh battery pack, giving it slightly more power than the Model Y Performance with 618 hp and better range, 328 miles (528 km) compared to 306 miles (492 km). However, as the Tesla weighs less, it hits 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.3 seconds compared to the R2’s 3.6 seconds.

Where The Numbers Stop Favoring Rivian

And then there’s pricing, which is not doing Rivian many favors on paper. The R2 Performance Launch Edition starts at $57,990, essentially mirroring the $57,490 Model Y Performance. However, step down to the mid-tier R2 Premium with 450 hp and all-wheel drive, and you’re still looking at $53,990, a noticeable jump over Tesla’s Model Y Premium AWD at $48,990.

Also: Rivian R2 Starts At $57,990, But Cheaper Versions Are Still Coming

Rivian has confirmed a base rear-wheel-drive R2 at $45,000, though that version will not arrive until 2027, which is a long wait. Tesla, meanwhile, already covers that ground with two RWD options, starting at $39,990 for the standard version and $44,990 for the Premium.

Although the R2 is Rivian’s answer to the Tesla Model Y, matching its sales volume will be a tall order. Like the R1, it appears to lean toward a more niche appeal and could end up competing more closely with models like the Jeep Recon.

Lead image Reddit / SciencesNotStudies