• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, Yesterday

Rivian founder and CEO R.J Scaringe, who has been called the “anti-Elon” by some, is excited to launch the electric vehicle manufacturer’s more affordable R2, which he calls “insanely good.”

“I've never been more confident in the company than I am today,” Scaringe said during an Automotive Press Association event at the company's development, prototyping and testing facility in Plymouth Township, Michigan.

He’s not concerned about the disappearance of the federal EV tax credit and he says he’s aligned with the Trump  administration, which is advocating for more U.S. production. 

Rivian assembles all its vehicles in Normal, Illinois, is building a plant in Georgia, and will source batteries for R2 from Arizona after LG Energy Solution launches production there in mid-2026.

The Rivian R2 remains on track for a $45,000 starting price -- lower than the average -- with production beginning in the first half of 2026. 

“The R2 isn't just a great EV, it's an incredible vehicle,” he says. “It offers acceleration; it’s like a sports car that can go off-road.”

Scaringe predicts about two-thirds of customers will elect to buy the R2 rather than lease it, and that two-thirds of the vehicles cross-shopped with the R2 will not be EVs. 

“I'm highly biased, but I can't imagine not buying this,” Scaringe says. “For the longest time, the electrified space, there's been a singular set of great choices. There's been the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3.  They are great cars. They're highly compelling. They're well executed. But it's remarkable that they've maintained such extraordinary market share that they control about 50% of the sales in the United States.”

While many of the automaker’s employees have shifted to its California facilities, Rivian still has about 1,000 employees in Michigan. 

The historic space, designed by noted industrial architect Albert Kahn, includes a call center for customers to access experts, vehicle testing, virtual reality manufacturing station layout review and 3D printing for prototype parts and tools.

After the Q&A with Scaringe, media members were invited on a tour and given a 3D printed plastic R2 model, which they said took about 20 minutes to print (see photo below.) The building has a very Rivian vibe, including a neon sign that reads “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few are dirt.”

Scaringe, who knew at age 10 he wanted to start a car company, is a serious environmentalist -- and the building reflects that. There are trash containers throughout that offer the choice of compost, mixed recycling or landfill. The continental breakfast served before the talk was served on compostable dinnerware. 

It’s easy to admire a founder and a company that walks the walk.  Just keep an eye out for that dirt path.