Rivian, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled its latest offering, the R3 midsize crossover. Building upon the success of Rivian’s R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, the R3 aims to provide a more compact and affordable option for consumers seeking an electric vehicle that combines performance, capability, and practicality.
The R3 showcases Rivian’s distinctive design language, instantly recognizable as part of the Rivian family. Its tidy dimensions make it well-suited for urban environments and tight parking spaces, while still maintaining a sporty and athletic silhouette. The exterior design is inviting and iconic, with clean lines and a modern aesthetic that sets it apart from traditional crossovers.
Inside, the R3 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with a focus on passenger comfort and ample storage. The interior features premium, sustainable materials that are easy to clean, making it ideal for both everyday use and outdoor adventures. Rivian’s attention to detail is evident throughout, with refined touches such as the new steering wheel with integrated haptic control dials, which make it easier for drivers to stay focused on the road.
Despite its compact size, the R3 delivers impressive performance and off-road capability. It will be available in Single-Motor (RWD), Dual-Motor (AWD), and Tri-Motor configurations, with the quickest variant capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. The R3 utilizes Rivian’s in-house drive unit platform and technology, ensuring a dynamic and engaging driving experience.
The R3 features a structural battery pack that incorporates a new 4695 cell, offering significant improvements in energy density and output. This advanced battery technology enables the R3 to deliver an estimated range of over 300 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long-distance trips. This range is competitive with other popular electric crossovers, such as the Tesla Model Y, which offers a range of up to 330 miles.
The R3 supports DC fast charging, compatible with both NACS (native) and CCS (with adapter) standards, allowing users to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. As with all Rivian vehicles, the R3 benefits from frequent software updates, ensuring that its features and capabilities continue to expand and improve over time.
Rivian has equipped the R3 with an advanced perception stack, featuring 11 cameras, five radars, and a powerful compute platform. This setup provides the R3 with enhanced autonomous capabilities, making it well-prepared for the future of self-driving technology. The global autonomous vehicle market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 63.1% from 2021 to 2030, reaching $1,191.83 billion by 2030, according to a report by Allied Market Research.
The Rivian R3 will be priced below the R2, Rivian’s midsize SUV, making it even more accessible to a wider range of consumers. Deliveries of the R3 are expected to begin after the launch of the R2, as Rivian prioritizes a smooth launch and rapid ramp-up of R2 production. Following its North American launch, the R3 will be made available internationally.
More info: Rivian
