Rivian Recap: 07/11/2025
Hey there,
Here's your weekly Rivian Recap for July 11th, 2025.
It's always a good (but rare) week when a new Rivian model launches.
New model year, new trim level, and new ports 🤘
Let's dive in!
R1
The Gen2 Quad-Motor launched. Is it too much, or not enough?
Quad's Kick Turn feature has a coaching system for responsible use.
Custom builds are all 2026 now with NACS + wheel package changes.
The new NACS wall-charger is now available.
TK note: I tested this during my quad demo drive, and the button on it only ends the charging session to release the cable. It does NOT open the charge port.
Limestone and Red Canyon are GONE!
2026 models no longer include the (new) mobile charger.
TK note: I know this is a cost cutting move, but it feels punitively cheap. This is even more true on the $125,990 Launch Edition trim for the Quad-Motor.
R2
RJ dropped another breadcrumb this week, showing that the R2 has officially hit public roads. So keep your eyes peeled for the various fun custom wraps.
With Limestone and Red Canyon gone from the R1 lineup, what kind of new colors do you think we will see for both R1 and R2?
There was a leaked purple quad-motor color a while back.
Yay or nay to purple vehicles?
Community
This week, I had a bit of a different video on the channel.
Legendary iOS developer Christian Selig reviews Rivian Software with me.
Christian built the wildly popular Apollo app (the best 3rd party Reddit app), that had an untimely demise thanks to Reddit API price changes.
His perspective on usability, reliability and more was a real treat. I hope you enjoy the video as much as we did making it!
Plus, my local Emerald City Rivian Club is going to try and set a new record for the largest Rivian caravan on Saturday (tomorrow).
If you're an owner in the PNW, try to come out and set the bar high.
Details on the caravan and record setting attempt.
And finally, the Rivian mobility spinoff called "Also" has raised another $200m in investment.
They are reported to have worked with Jony Ive's design firm in the recent past, so who knows what kind of product they'll unveil first.
Autonomy
With the 2026 model years seemingly sporting the exact same autonomy and sensor suite, it looks like Rivian is confident for two years worth of cars to roll with the current set of cameras and compute.
The RAP+ trial is set to go until "Late 2025", and after my recent roadtrip (full recap very soon!), I have feelings about the current state of things.
What do you want to see most out of Rivian Autonomy?
Latest Deals
The clock is ticking on the EV tax credit 'loophole' that expires on September 30th and can knock off $7,500 from your capitalized cost.
The best deals are going to be on the 2025 model years, as the main change for 2026 is native NACS, a $1,000 MSRP increase + cost reductions.
The best deal you should act fast on with the EV tax credit going away in just a few days is the standard pack R1S and R1T with the LFP battery.
Lease deals can be had for as low as $599/month now, but the preferred configurations with better audio and things like the powered v2 tonneau bump that up slightly.
This is a drop of around $200/month and is still eligible for other incentives such as the electric refresh offer below.
Electric Refresh Offer
Tri-Motor Deals
If the tri-motor is more your style, Rivian is offering a 'downpayment on them' where they will pay $6,500 of your down payment for a lease.
So if you're looking at a tri-motor R1S or tri-motor R1T, you can stack some of these offers together for a great deal on a heck of a 2025 configuration.
I hope enjoyed the this weeks edition of the Rivian Recap. Let me know what you'd like to see more of in future editions!
Even if you just want to say hi, hit reply – I'd love to get to know you 👋
Stay curious ✌️,
Travis Ketchum
P.S. Thinking about buying a new Rivian?
Make sure you use a referral code. A friend, a neighbor, or someone who has helped you along the way.
Here's mine: TRAVIS4699411