Rivian Teases Licensing Deals as $45K R2 SUV Deliveries Kick Off June 9
RIVN•Rivian shares rose after CFO Claire McDonough announced plans to license its EV architecture, software and autonomous systems to other automakers ahead of R2 SUV deliveries starting June 9. The R2 SUV, priced from about $45,000, matches Tesla Model Y efficiency and exceeds its driving range.
1. Licensing Expansion Plans
CFO Claire McDonough revealed at a major conference that Rivian plans to monetize its electrical architecture, software and autonomous-driving systems through licensing agreements with other automakers. She highlighted existing integrations with Volkswagen Group brands and Uber as proof of concept, describing a “lighter lift” for future partnerships.
2. R2 Delivery Kickoff
External customer deliveries and test drives of the midsize R2 SUV begin June 9 at Rivian showrooms and service centers across the U.S. Production is ramping at the Normal, Illinois plant, where a new body shop and assembly lines can build up to 155,000 R2 units annually alongside R1 models and commercial vans.
3. Efficiency and Market Positioning
Pricing for the R2 starts at approximately $45,000, targeting the five-passenger SUV and crossover segment in the U.S., EMEA and beyond. The R2 matches Tesla Model Y’s industry-leading efficiency while exceeding its driving range, positioning Rivian’s first mass-market model against established EV offerings.
