I dunno if I’d call $45k “for the masses”, but its an easier price point than Rivian’s current lineup.
The R3, which will be “less expensive” is a bit more exciting. I think the RAV4 / compact SUV market is one of the bigger markets in America right now, so if Rivian can break into it that’d be good for them.
They’re going to sell shitloads of those R3s assuming the price is reasonable. I’m mildly surprised they aren’t moving that ahead of the R2.
They need the new factory up and running to make the R3’s. The R2 is close enough to the R1 to make in their existing factory in Illinois.