Rivian may not offer leasing when the R2 launches, and history suggests that should not come as a surprise. Leasing was not available at R1 launch and still is not offered in every state or in Canada today.
Rivian partnered with Grey’s Anatomy to create a fully electric ambulance built on its Commercial Van platform. The custom “vanbulance” improves air quality on set while showcasing the real world potential of electric emergency vehicles.
Tesla’s decision to walk away from the Model S and Model X is more than a product shuffle, it is a clear signal of where the company is headed. As Tesla doubles down on autonomy, Robotaxi, and AI, it is leaving behind a segment of drivers who still value the act of driving itself. That shift creates an opening for brands like Rivian and others to step in, building vehicles for people who want control, engagement, and choice, not just a ride from point A to point B.
Rivian is committing millions of dollars to change Washington’s EV sales laws after years of stalled legislation. With Washington being one of Rivian’s strongest markets and a clear conflict of interest blocking progress in the legislature, the company is now preparing to take the fight directly to voters.
As Rivian prepares to launch R2, the company is facing a challenge that goes far beyond new hardware. Supporting Gen 1, Gen 2, and an entirely new platform at the same time forces Rivian to confront how it manages software at scale. The Gen 2 transition already showed how difficult fragmented updates can be, and R2 raises the stakes even higher. How Rivian handles software segmentation next may determine how fast the company can innovate without leaving owners behind.
