Rivian Stock Jumps 24% On Strong R2 SUV Sales Outlook

In Focus

• Rivian plans to launch the R2 SUV model in Q2 2026
• The new EV model is expected to cost about $45,000
• The U.S. EV maker expects R2 SUV to increase annual deliveries by 53%

Rivian stock surged 24% on February 13, 2026, after the EV maker projected that its affordable models would be more appealing to buyers. According to Reuters, shares of the EV company rose ahead of the expected Rivian R2 SUV launch in the second quarter of 2026.

“For the stock itself, nothing matters more than a timely launch for the R2 SUV, and in this regard, Rivian remains essentially on track,” Analysts at Piper Sandler noted, as cited by Reuters.

Rivian Expects New EV Model to Boost Sales

Based on Rivian’s delivery outlook, the new SUV could increase sales by 53%, to a high of 67,000 units, against analyst estimates of 64,130 units. Rivian’s R2 SUV delivery forecast is the strongest indicator that the American company is counting on low-priced vehicles to improve sales after the government EV subsidy expired.

The R2 SUV model will cost about $45,000, which is close to Tesla’s Model Y. This pricing represents a significant shift from the R1 vehicles that the company has been known to sell.

Rivian’s automotive stock surge happened months after the EV maker recalled 24,214 EVs due to a hands-free highway assist software issue. The problem affected models R1S and R1T sold in the U.S. and Canada.

EV Automakers Shift to Low-Priced Vehicles

This year, most EV automakers in the U.S. are focused on producing low-priced models to drive demand after sales dropped due to policy changes and expiry of the $7,500 tax break.

Currently, Ford is fast-tracking development of a $30,000 EV model. General Motors is looking to get its affordable Bolt EV back to the market at slightly below $30,000. Recently, Tesla announced plans to retire its high-end Model X SUVs and Model S sedan as it seeks to supercharge robotic and Cybercab ambitions. The EV maker plans to use Model S and X factories to manufacture robots.

The Elon Musk-led company made this shift after introducing standard versions of Model Y and Model 3 vehicles. The company has also discontinued Autopilot, its basic driver-assistance system, as part of a wider strategy to boost FSD subscriptions.

Rivian Hasn’t Achieved Profitability Yet

Rivian’s fourth-quarter earnings surpassed market estimates, with revenues reaching $1.286 billion against the expected $1.26 billion. Despite this, Rivian is not profitable. Its Q4 2025 revenue was 27% lower compared to the same period the previous year.

According to the automaker, the revenue drop was due to the loss of regulatory EV credits and low average selling prices.

“Rivian has had its fair share of problems on its journey to be a major player in the EV world, yet its fourth quarter results would suggest the business is finding its groove,” Head of Markets at AJ Bell, Dan Coatsworth noted as reported by Reuters.