TechCrunch Mobility: Rivian’s R2 gambit

The article from TechCrunch Mobility focuses primarily on Rivian’s upcoming launch of its R2 electric SUV, highlighting the ambitious sales targets the company has set for 2026. Rivian aims to sell between 20,000 and 25,000 units of the R2 within six months of production starting in June, a pace that would surpass all comparable electric vehicles priced at or below $60,000 except for the Tesla Model Y. The piece emphasizes the high stakes involved and questions what specific strategies Rivian will employ to convert interest into actual sales, suggesting that simple explanations like “pent-up demand” will not suffice. Additionally, the article touches on other notable developments in the mobility and EV sectors. It discusses Wayve, a UK-based startup valued at $8.6 billion, which is pursuing a unique approach to autonomous driving by licensing its self-learning software to automakers and robotaxi operators rather than operating vehicles itself. The article also briefly mentions various industry moves, including Denso’s takeover