After several rumors, Rivian has launched its owner referral program called Rivian Rewards. Currently, US-based Rivian owners can find a personalized referral code in their profile section of the website or the Rivian app.
Rivian has created an excellent referral program that encourages owners to talk about and share their experiences with the brand and their vehicles.
Although the program is currently limited to U.S. owners, Canadian owners will be able to gain access to Rivian Rewards in early 2025, according to Rivian.
Rewards
When an owner shares their code, the person being referred will be able to use it when purchasing an R1 vehicle through the R1 Shop. Once the vehicle is delivered, both the referrer and the referee will get rewards.
The referral code has to be used in the checkout phase of the order – Rivian has confirmed that they cannot apply referrals to orders that have already been placed or are currently in progress.
So, if you’ve already put your order in, sadly, you won’t be able to get the referral benefit unless you cancel and re-create your order, which could have other financial implications.
Reward
Referrer
Referee (Buyer)
750 Reward Points
Yes
Yes
6 months RAN Charging
Yes
Yes
The rewards are simple to understand – both individuals get 750 reward points, and both also receive 6 months of free charging at Rivian Adventure Networks.
There is a cap on the RAN charging – you can only stockpile up to 36 months of free charging. The charging reward is also bound to the original vehicle owner – if you sell your Rivian, the free charging will not transfer. However, if you do buy another Rivian, you can get your free RAN charging transferred to the new vehicle.
Dollars vs Points
Rivian’s Reward Points are usable on a $1=1 point basis in Rivian’s Gear Shop. Additionally, you can also use the points towards a future vehicle purchase through the R1 Shop. Technically, it's possible to get a Rivian for almost free since there is no limit on the number of referrals you can earn. You just can’t redeem reward points against taxes, fees, and the vehicle deposit.
Rivian says that the current program and point system will run through at least the end of 2024, at which point they reserve the right to alter the program if needed.
Rivian Event Invite
One of the unique rewards for the launch of the Rivian Rewards program is an invite-only experience with Team Rivian. Rivian is offering the first 100 owners with 25 referrals a special invite to spend a 3-day retreat with food, adventure, and connections with Team Rivian. This is an awesome bonus for Rivian’s best brand ambassadors and provides them with a unique experience that they couldn’t have gotten any other way. We’re happy to see Rivian paying back to their community in this way and look forward to what else they’ve got up their sleeves.
Keep adventuring and referring folks!
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After years of anticipation, the Rivian R2 is finally approaching its official debut. The company recently offered a nostalgic look at where the midsize SUV began by sharing early design sketches on social media. "R2 was once just a collection of sketches by our design team. Coming Spring 2026," Rivian posted on X.
R2 was once just a collection of sketches by our design team. Coming Spring 2026. pic.twitter.com/saMlCeUbNd
Comparing those early drawings to the final production units seen in recent media drives shows a design team that stayed remarkably true to its original vision. The R2 maintains the signature stadium headlights and clean lines that defined the sketches, though the final version looks a bit more rugged and ready for the real world.
Rivian Wave
The development process for the R2 has been a marathon. While Rivian has started organizing soft launches and small media events to drum up buzz, the SUV hasn't officially launched yet. We are still waiting for the big unveiling event on March 12, where Rivian is expected to drop all the final details on pricing, trim levels, and option packages.
For those who need a refresher, the R2 is built on an entirely new platform that is much lighter than its R1S sibling. Rivian is targeting a starting price of roughly $45,000 for the single-motor base model. The dual-motor, all-wheel drive Launch Edition — which Rivian has confirmed will be the first to roll off the production line — is expected to be a performance beast with an 87.4 kWh battery, putting out 656 horsepower and hitting 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
The R2 is also packed with an improved infotainment system and clever utility features like a rear window that rolls completely down into the tailgate and front seats that fold totally flat for car camping. It even features a native NACS charging port, meaning it will be ready to use Tesla's massive Supercharging network right out of the box.
Rivian Wave
While production in Illinois is slated to begin in mid-2026, the global rollout has hit a few snags. Canadian fans recently learned that their launch has been pushed to 2027, as Rivian focuses on making sure the U.S. launch goes perfectly first. European product pages for the R2, meanwhile, simply note that it is “Coming to Europe.”
The March 12 event will be the moment we finally see if the R2 can live up to the massive expectations set by those early sketches. Are you planning to place a reservation for the R2 once the full details are out, or are you holding out for the R3? Let us know in the comments.
Rivian is giving its electric delivery van some much-needed love. The California-based automaker recently announced that its commercial workhorse is finally getting a significant upgrade, including a more capable battery and, for the first time, an all-wheel drive (AWD) option.
According to a report from InsideEVs, Rivian is working on a bigger battery pack and an AWD powertrain to help its van reach more remote areas and handle tougher weather conditions. Up until now, the Rivian Commercial Van (RCV) — as it was officially branded starting with the 2025 model year — has only been available with front-wheel drive and a single battery size.
While the current setup works for short local trips, the new, larger battery will reportedly offer a 30% increase in range. This should push real-world driving distance to over 200 miles, up from the current 161-mile estimate. Meanwhile, the addition of AWD will provide more power and better traction for drivers dealing with mud or snow.
Rivian’s electric van is currently available in two trims: RCV 500 and RCV 700. Both trims are powered by a 100 kWh battery pack and a single 320-horsepower motor. While that’s more than workable, delivery companies like Amazon, which has a massive deal with Rivian for 100,000 units, are looking to expand their electric fleets into more challenging environments.
This news comes at a perfect time for the startup. With Chevrolet recently discontinuing its BrightDrop van and Ford’s E-Transit facing its own hurdles, Rivian has a clear path to dominating the electric commercial market. Last year, the RCV topped the sales charts with over 13,000 units sold, far outpacing competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Ford.
Beyond its commercial success, Rivian is also gearing up for its biggest consumer launch yet with the R2 midsize SUV. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, the R2 is expected to start at a much more affordable price point of around $45,000, bringing Rivian’s adventure-ready tech to a wider audience.
As for the upgraded van, Rivian hasn't announced exactly when these new options will debut or how much the added range and AWD will cost.
What do you think of Rivian's new van updates? Would you trust an electric van to handle your deliveries in the snow? Let us know in the comments.
