U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian plans to introduce vehicle-to-home (V2H) functionality for its upcoming R2 electric sport utility vehicle, although the capability will not be available at launch, according to a company executive.
During a Reddit ask-me-anything session, Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s head of software, said the R2’s powertrain has already been engineered to support operation as a large-scale household backup battery.
AMA with Wassym Bensaid, Rivian Chief Software Officer – R2 Software Platform | Thursday, May 21st
byu/Studovich inRivian
However, Bensaid said the functionality depends on the development of a compatible bi-directional charging system, which Rivian is still working to finalize.
According to Bensaid, the company is developing a redesigned charger and metering device that would enable the R2 to support V2H applications, though he did not provide a timeline for availability.
While full V2H capability will not initially be included, the R2 will still be able to supply power to external electrical devices through Rivian’s Field Outlet adapter.
The accessory connects through the vehicle’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) port and includes two NEMA 5-20 outlets designed to power tools and other electrical equipment.
Rivian has not yet disclosed pricing or release timing for the adapter.
The R2 is scheduled to begin reaching customers in June 2026 following the launch of an online configurator for U.S. buyers in May.
The vehicle is not yet available for direct orders in Canada, although prospective buyers can place refundable reservations for a fee of C$150. Rivian expects Canadian deliveries to begin in 2027.