Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has recently trademarked the R1X, sparking speculation about a potential new addition to its flagship R1 lineup. The move comes on the heels of Rivian’s unveiling event for the R2 platform, where the company surprised audiences by introducing the R3 and R3X vehicles.
Describing the R3 as a compact yet powerful vehicle with impressive performance and off-road capabilities, Rivian emphasized its commitment to passenger comfort and storage. The R3X, on the other hand, is positioned as the performance variant of the R3, promising even greater dynamic abilities both on and off the road.
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While the trademark filing does not specify which vehicle the R1X may apply to, there is speculation that Rivian could be considering a performance configuration for either the R1T pickup or the R1S SUV. Such a move would position the R1X as a direct competitor to the high-performance “Plaid” powertrain offered by the Tesla Model X.
Despite the possibility of expanding its lineup, Rivian is mindful of the challenges associated with scaling its electric vehicle production and ensuring profitability. Therefore, the company may opt to introduce the R1X as a single, refined addition to its product lineup, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency in its manufacturing processes.
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While the specifics of the R1X remain undisclosed, Rivian’s trademark filing suggests that the company is committed to offering competitive and exciting products for its customers. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, Rivian’s strategic approach to product development and market positioning will be closely watched by industry observers and consumers alike.
The full filing is available here.