Rivian CEO Says Conventional Cars Will Soon Become Ancient Objects

R1S. (Doc. Rivian)

JAKARTA - RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, recently said that cars with internal combustion engine (ICE) will soon become "an ancient object" in line with the booming electric cars (EV).

Rivian is optimistic that electric cars will become the increasingly popular future of the automotive industry and replace fossil fuel vehicles.

Rivian, known as one of the early players in the electric car industry. This company has succeeded in developing and producing the two best electric cars in the market, namely R1T and R1S.

However, R1T and R1S are currently still expensive choices with the price of both above Rp1.1 billion. Therefore, Rivian plans to present a range of more affordable models with the 'R2' platform to reach more consumers. The plan, Rivian is preparing to launch the R2 model in 2026 at a price of around 40,000-45,000 US dollars or Rp600 million-Rp680 million.

"With the R2 platform, we hope to attract many customers who want to own a vehicle at a price that suits their needs and lifestyle. This car must be suitable for daily life, including transporting families, pets, and equipment, and being able to face heavy terrain," said RJ Scaringe in an interview with HeatMap, late July.

Rivian plans to launch a range of R2 models in early 2026 and will be produced at its factory facility to be built in Atlanta, Georgia. Although it looks quite far ahead, Scaringe believes that demand for electric cars will increase sharply towards the end of the decade, so that R2 cars will arrive on time.

"When turning to electric cars, this change will take place very quickly because so many people will switch. For those who still want to own conventional cars today, it will be even strangeer to buy them considering the direction of the upcoming policy. Like building a stable in 1910," he added, quoted from Carscoops, August 1.

Scaringe also says buying a car with an ICE engine is a strange thing because fuel charging stations will be rarer. What is happening today, including investment and regulation, further strengthens the belief that conventional cars will become "confined" in the era of electric cars that are increasingly dominated.