Rivian discounts most versions of its affordable electric trucks, raising base price up to $6,000
Rivian is eliminating the most affordable versions of its R1S electric SUV and R1T electric pickup, effectively bringing the base price of both vehicles up to $6,000.
In an email to pre-orderers — retrieved by Green car report from Rivian — the EV maker says it’s canceling its Base Discovery Package, which starts at $68,575 for the R1T and $73,575 for the R1S (both include an arrival fee of $1,075). While prices may vary depending on when the booking was made, the loss of the Discovery Pack applies to existing bookers and new orders.
2023 Rivian R1S
According to Rivian, customers can cancel their order or switch to the Adventure Package, which starts at $74,075 for the R1T and $79,075 for the destination R1S. Those who go with the Adventure Pack will be charged a higher price determined by when they originally placed their order, while those who cancel will get their deposit refunded.
Furthermore, those ordering Ocean Coast furniture are being asked if they would accept a dark wood replacement update. Rivian will introduce a new version of the pack later this year, which also adds an upholstered vegan leather dashboard.
Rivian R1S with modified Ocean Coast interior
Rivian R1S with modified Ocean Coast interior
Rivian R1S with modified Ocean Coast interior
The changes apply to both R1T and R1S. Customers have until September 1 to reconfigure their pre-orders or cancel them.
In the email, Rivian said it was canceling the Discovery Pack due to low demand, adding that it would help speed up delivery.
“So far, only a small percentage of customers have chosen this configuration, with the majority opting for the Adventure edition,” the email said. “By focusing on the Adventure trim, we were able to streamline our supply chain and ultimately deliver vehicles faster.”
A Rivian spokesperson stated that it doesn’t break down what that percentage is.
2022 Rivian R1T
Rivian however confirmed GCR that the revised EV tax credit issued this week played no role in the decision.
This isn’t the first time Rivian has surprised pre-orderers with a price increase. The company earlier this year raised prices on a large scale up to $12,000 But after that a backlash from customers, it restores the original price to those who have booked.
The price increase, still applicable to new customers, do not slow down the booking speed company is receiving. Which is part because the trucks are so goodwith impressive off-road ability and driving dynamics on the road.
Rivian laid off 6% of employees last month and reported a net loss of $1.7 billion in the second quarter of 2022, but still plans to grow production. That’s due to open a second factory in Georgia in 2024, where the second R2 model line will also be built.
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With additional reporting by Bengt Halvorson
