Rivian (RIVN) Tops Q1 Delivery Forecasts With R2 Launch Just Weeks Away

TLDR

• Rivian delivered 10,365 vehicles in Q1 2026, beating analyst estimates of 9,678
• The company produced 10,236 vehicles, also ahead of the 9,852 estimate
• Full-year 2026 delivery guidance reaffirmed at 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles
• R2 model deliveries set to begin this spring, with the cheapest variant launching next year
• Rivian and Uber struck a deal last month, with Uber investing up to $1.25 billion in the company

Rivian delivered 10,365 vehicles in the first quarter of 2026, topping analyst expectations of 9,678, according to data from Visible Alpha. Production came in at 10,236 vehicles, also ahead of the 9,852 estimate.

Rivian Automotive, Inc., RIVN

That’s a notable turnaround in momentum. In Q1 2025, Rivian delivered just 8,640 vehicles, though it produced a higher 14,611 — a mismatch that pointed to inventory buildup at the time.

The delivery beat comes after a rough patch in late 2025. A $7,500 federal EV tax credit expired in September, pushing prices higher and pulling buyers out of the market. Deliveries fell in the December quarter as a result.

Now there’s a new tailwind. U.S. gasoline prices have climbed sharply since the Iran conflict began in February, which analysts say could push more buyers toward electric vehicles. That would benefit both Rivian and Tesla.

Despite the beat, the stock dipped 1.2% in premarket trading. RIVN is down more than 24% so far in 2026, with short interest sitting at 11.8% of the float.

R2 Launch on the Horizon

The upcoming R2 model is central to Rivian’s growth story. Deliveries are set to begin this spring. The entry-level R2 variant, priced from around $45,000, is expected to launch next year and go head-to-head with Tesla’s Model Y Premium, which starts at $44,990.

Rivian says the R2 is expected to expand its customer base well beyond its current R1T and R1S buyers.

Uber Partnership Adds Momentum

Last month, Rivian announced a long-term deal with Uber. Under the agreement, Uber will invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian and plans to deploy fully autonomous R2 SUVs as robotaxis starting in 2028.

It’s a deal that gives Rivian both capital and a commercial deployment roadmap for its autonomous ambitions.

Rivian reaffirmed its full-year 2026 delivery guidance of 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles. The company is set to report full first-quarter results on April 30 after the market closes.

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