Rivian R2 arrives in 2026 at $45k with V2H, LG 4695 cells

Rivian has shared new details about the upcoming R2 crossover, slated to arrive in 2026 with a starting price of $45,000. The EV will feature an innovative Energy Management Control Module enabling bidirectional charging, so the vehicle can not only draw power but also send it back to the grid to supply a home.

This function, known as Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), lets the R2’s battery double as an energy storage unit, helping reduce electricity costs or keep the lights on during outages. The new pack is built around LG 4695 cylindrical cells that offer six times the energy compared with the 2170 cells used in the R1S and R1T. On paper, that’s a meaningful jump and one that should translate into more everyday usefulness.

Production of the R2 will begin in the United States, with battery manufacturing to follow at a new plant in Arizona. The model joins the 2026 lineup focused on sustainability and efficiency and marks an important step for Rivian in the realm of more accessible electric vehicles, a pragmatic move aimed at a wider audience.