Rivian Dual Standard models are set to disappear from the company’s lineup later this year as the electric vehicle startup restructures its product strategy. The company confirmed that it plans to discontinue the entry-level trims of the R1S SUV and R1T pickup, marking a notable shift in the brand’s pricing structure and product offering.
Rivian revealed the decision in a marketing email sent to customers on Tuesday. In the message, the automaker stated that “Dual Standard is ending” and urged buyers to take advantage of current lease offers while the trim remains available. A company spokesperson later confirmed the move and said Rivian plans to refine its R1 vehicle lineup later this year. However, the company has not announced the exact date when Rivian Dual Standard vehicles will stop being sold.
Why Rivian Dual Standard Models Are Being Phased Out
The decision to remove Rivian Dual Standard models may be linked to customer purchasing trends. Although the trim offered a lower entry price into the brand, Rivian executives say most customers ultimately choose higher specifications.
Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe discussed this behavior during an appearance on the InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast last year. According to Scaringe, very few buyers purchase the base specification of Rivian vehicles. Instead, customers frequently upgrade after exploring available features and battery options.
As a result, Rivian’s vehicles often sell for higher prices than the entry trim suggests. Scaringe noted that the average selling price of an R1 vehicle sits near $90,000. That figure indicates that customers regularly select more advanced configurations with larger batteries and additional features.
Rivian Dual Standard Pricing and Specifications
The Rivian Dual Standard configuration currently represents the lowest-priced option in the R1 lineup. Both the R1S SUV and the R1T pickup offer this trim level with two electric motors and the company’s smallest battery pack.
The R1T Dual Standard starts at $72,990 before optional upgrades and additional fees. The next trim level, the R1T Dual, begins at $79,990. Although the difference may appear modest, buyers often gain access to improved performance and battery options at the higher tier.
Meanwhile, the R1S Dual Standard begins at $76,990. Moving up to the R1S Dual raises the starting price to $83,990.
Both entry-level models offer an EPA estimated driving range of 270 miles. However, customers who upgrade to the Large battery pack in the Dual versions can extend that range to an estimated 329 miles.
Once Rivian removes the Rivian Dual Standard trim, the starting price of the R1 lineup will effectively increase by about $7,000 unless Rivian introduces new adjustments to the model range.
Lease Offers Before Rivian Dual Standard Ends
Rivian has introduced temporary lease incentives as it prepares to discontinue the Rivian Dual Standard trim. These offers encourage buyers to purchase or lease the vehicles before the models disappear from the market.
According to Rivian’s promotional email, customers who receive financing approval by March 19 and complete delivery by March 31 qualify for the special lease deal. Under the offer, both the R1S and R1T Dual Standard models start at $749 per month on a 36 month lease agreement. Buyers must also provide $5,644 at signing.
Because the offer has a strict timeline, interested buyers may need to act quickly if they want to secure the entry-level configuration before Rivian updates the lineup.
Rivian Simplifies Its EV Production Strategy
The removal of Rivian Dual Standard trims reflects a broader strategy shift inside the company. Rivian continues to streamline operations as competition in the electric vehicle sector intensifies.
Reducing trim variations could simplify production and supply chain management. Fewer configurations typically allow automakers to improve manufacturing efficiency while reducing operational complexity.
Many manufacturers eventually limit base models when demand remains low. Therefore, Rivian may prefer focusing on higher margin versions that customers consistently purchase.
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R2 Launch May Lower Rivian Entry Price
Although Rivian Dual Standard trims will soon disappear, the entry point into the Rivian brand may still drop in the near future. Rivian plans to introduce the R2, its first mass-market electric vehicle, in the second quarter.
The upcoming R2 aims to attract a broader customer base with a significantly lower starting price than the R1 lineup. While Rivian has not released complete specifications yet, analysts expect the vehicle to compete directly with mainstream electric SUVs.
If the R2 succeeds, Rivian could shift the R1S and R1T further toward the premium segment while allowing the new model to serve as the brand’s primary entry-level vehicle. For now, however, buyers who want the Rivian Dual Standard option still have a short window to secure one before the trim disappears from the lineup.
