Rivian R3
In March 2024, Rivian revealed their upcoming model R3 vehicle which is intended to be a lower cost EV with much of the engineering and features found in their more expensive vehicles.
Their R2 vehicle priced at $45K is expected in 2026, and presumably the R3 will be available shortly after at a lower price. To learn more, visit the R3 product page, and watch the last 8 minutes of the product launch press release below (queued from 27m 46s onward).
The unique green color of the R3 and sporty small size resulted in much consumer enthusiasm, but the long wait may have consumers seeking something else to use in the next 2-3 years.
The Honda Prologue, described below, is advertised with a very similar color and design. So, it may become a choice for Rivian enthusiasts.
Honda Prologue 2024
The Honda Prologue is an all electric vehicle available today. Because it is manufactured and supported by a well-established automotive brand, it may have an appeal to consumers wanting a sense of wider availability for sales and support.
It’s interesting that the Honda Prologue seems to have a very similar design language as the Rivian R3. It also comes in the same color. This may be a coincidence, or perhaps Honda is following Rivian’s lead.
Below is a review of the Honda Prologue from a popular EV reviewer channel on YouTube. To learn more, visit the Honda Prologue product page on Honda’s website.
Similarities Between Rivian R2 and Honda Prologue
You’ll notice from the review above, the wheel design is very similar to the Rivian R2 wheels.
Vehicles are typically uniquely identifiable from their paint color, grill, and wheels. So, the color and wheel similarity between the Rivian R2 and Honda Prologue is something very noticeable.
Differences in Design
Rivian vehicles are very minimalist in their design. So, there is a noticeable lack of unnecessary chrome, rubber, and plastic accent pieces. Some people will desire the cluttered design of traditional vehicles. Others will prefer the simplicity of Rivian.
Environmental Impact and Cost Savings
Most people will save money and save the environment by using an existing vehicle that you own, or buying a used vehicle. This is because of the carbon impact of working and earning money.
Something typically not factored into our carbon footprint is the pollution and carbon generated by working the hundreds of hours needed to earn the money for an electric car or any car. Let’s say it takes 3 to 5 years of work to earn the money needed for a new car. There’s an environmental impact of that.
Electric cars are not necessarily a practical choice for many people.
Electric cars may be a good choice for those who do not plan to change where they live and where they work, who have a consistent daily commute of 1 to 3 hours round trip, who can afford super charging and/or who have a home.
If any of those factors change, the EV may become a less useful vehicle. If a person has a fast charger at home, but then moves into an apartment. If a person changes jobs, and their new job is walking distance from home. If regular long-distance trips are needed along routes with chargers of unpredictable availability or reliability, or no chargers. There are a variety of reasons why an EV may have varying degrees of practicality.