Rivian Recap: 05/01/2026

Hey there,

Here's your weekly Rivian Recap for May 1st, 2026.

R2 range explored, a new audio debate, Q1 2026 earnings info, Georgia production changes, cool R2 shirt drop, and last call for the gear shop sale.

Let's dive in!

Software

One of the more closely watched attributes about R2 is the changes to the audio system, which on paper should be an improvement over R1.

I'm extremely curious to see how the new audio hardware design fares in the real world, by removing most speakers from the doors so they can fit larger water bottles, the dynamics have changed a lot.

Force balanced mid and sub woofers should in theory make a big difference, though. When Apple made this change to their Pro laptop line, the results were simply astounding.

But... Apple has a history of audio excellence now.

From the HomePod, laptops, and AirPods, Apple understands audio design.

Instead, every hardware change Rivian has made since breaking up with Meridian audio in Gen1 has been a clear regression.

Gen2 R1 audio has improved SO MUCH since launch, it's one of the more impressive changes I've seen for a hardware experience, that has been updated via OTA software.

But it's still fair to say that the "premium" audio in R1 is still not stellar, and merely acceptable for most.

I put this under "software" because there has been drama about this all being a software calibration issue, which is why I asked about calibration, target curves, and the ability to objectively measure speaker response.

The same way I geeked out with Dirac room correction for my home theater and it sounds objectively incredible now.

Seemingly, as a bit of a response to what prospects are experiencing with R2 on tour, Rivian has now updated their signage.

If Rivian truly believes that there is a transformationally better audio experience that is just a download away, why wouldn't they push it to the tour fleet?

There's an argument to be made that R2 is far less expensive than R1 so the bar is different. Which *almost* makes sense.

Where it falls apart is that the Model Y has a terrific sound system out of the box, that smokes the far more expensive R1 premium configuration.

Given all the other compares that Rivian has done with R2 agains the Model Y, it's fair to say prospects are likely to cross shop the two, including audio.

I have immense respect for what Wassym and the software team have done building a ground-up solution, that netted the VW joint venture.

But when it comes to audio? There is trust to be earned.

Hardware

Yesterday we had the Q1 2026 earnings call, which many of you made it out for... thanks for those who showed up live!

One of the biggest pieces of news had to do with the updates to the Georgia facility, opening in 2028.

Key takeaways from the news:

- Phase 1 production increases 50% (from 200k to 300k/year)

- DOE loan utilization drops almost 32% ($4.5b vs $6.6b)

This means the immediate buildout dramatically increases capacity with what is committed to be built, while still retaining a phase 2 expansion.

Rivian is clearly seeing positive signals for R2 demand, so they are going as quickly as they can to ramp production capacity for is shaping up to be a hit.

In the spirit of ramping R2 production, it looks like the 2nd shift is gearing up to unlock the next increase of R2 units being delivered.

If you've been wondering about range for R2 across the various wheel and tire options and the multiple configurations.... I have you covered.

You can now quickly see a comparison across the trims, battery sizes, and wheel selection. I've also included a way to see the impact of speed and temperature based on the drag numbers for R2 specifically.

Go check it out and let me know what you think!

Note: I also just updated my site design in general, along with the way the calculators render which I hope gives a more polished experience.

We got a nice breakdown this week about what's included in the Launch Package, which is helpful for those looking to get in early.

Here's the highlights:

With R2 finally starting customer deliveries, we also got a drop of R2 specific shirts in the Gear Shop, including a cool retro styled one.

Which one is your favorite?

Speaking of the Gear Shop, it's last call on the spring sale and new bundles.

Newsletter image

Seeing the floor mats, cross bars, and a fan favorite of the Kammok Awning on sale should make some new owners happy.

Even the co-branded Yakima tent is on sale, which is a first I believe.

Plus, if you have any of those referral points, they now go a bit further.

Community

Last weekend the Emerald City Rivian Club did a beach cleanup out on the coast and we were able to attend this year.

Newsletter image

My thanks to @auto_ography for taking the great pics!

Here are a few community events over the next week or so:

- 05/02 - New Jersey Rivian Club x Mid-Atlantic Rivian Club - Semi-Annual Off-Roading Adventure Day

- 05/02 - Central Oregon Rivian Club - CORC & Caffeine with Sparrow Mercado

Worth Checking Out - Stay Curious Merch

It's been awesome seeing readers pickup some of the new gear available in the merch store.

The "military green" color (very close to Launch Green) is proving to be a fan favorite, but there are other colors, as well as sweatshirts available.

Don't forget, as a newsletter member you get 10% off your first order.

My thanks for the support that helps make this newsletter possible.

Latest Deals

Well the best April deals are officially over now that we are into May.

Now we're seeing slightly increased finance rates (1.99%) and a focus on Rivian trying to clear out the last of the R1S dual-standard through leases.

I still don't recommend the dual-standard at this point unless you have a specific use case you know it will be perfect for, and even then I'd encourage you to look hard at the lease option.

Here's what's sticking out for deals this week:

Get 1.99% for 60 months on these builds:

Dual Large w/Performance [Lease vs Buy Example]:

2026 R1S Dual-Large w/Performance (Premium Audio)

2026 R1T Dual-Large w/Performance (Premium Audio, Utility V2 Tonneau)

[Only the Dual Max/Performance also qualifies for $3k lease bonus]

Dual Max w/Performance [Lease vs Buy Example]:

2026 R1S Dual-Max w/Performance (Premium Audio)

2026 R1T Dual-Max w/Performance (Premium Audio, Utility, V2 Tonneau)

Tri-Max [Lease vs Buy Example]:

2026 R1S Tri-Motor

2026 R1T Tri-Motor