Volvo EX60 and Rivian R2 Make EVs More Affordable

Electric vehicles just became easier to own, thanks to two new SUVs designed for real families with real budgets.

Volvo's EX60 and Rivian's R2 both arrive this year at prices starting around $58,000. That's thousands less than most electric SUVs currently on the road, yet both promise over 300 miles of range and features that used to exist only in luxury models.

The EX60 hits U.S. dealerships in September as Volvo's smartest vehicle ever. It's the first car to integrate Google's AI assistant Gemini directly into the driving experience, allowing natural conversations instead of robotic commands.

"I have conversations in the car with Gemini," says Anders Bell, Volvo's chief technology officer. "The car becomes an extension of you."

Beyond the AI, the EX60 delivers practical benefits. Plug it into a fast charger and add 173 miles in under 10 minutes. The top model travels up to 400 miles on a single charge, solving the range anxiety that keeps many people in gas-powered cars.

Rivian's R2 takes a different approach, focusing on adventure and versatility. Chief designer Jeff Hammoud says the company deliberately avoided the "jellybean shape" common in electric cars, creating something that looks ready for trails, not just highways.

The R2's Performance model is available now for $57,990, with more affordable versions arriving through 2027. Rivian learned from customer feedback on its pricier R1 SUV, adding features like larger cup holders, more trunk space, and steering wheel controls that let drivers adjust temperature without taking their hands off the wheel.

"The features we added were because customers were asking for them," Hammoud explains. The interior uses upcycled birch wood and recycled materials, showing sustainability doesn't require sacrifice.

Industry analysts see these vehicles as potential game-changers. "There are 6 million EVs on the road today. There is no sign of buyer regret for EV buyers," says Itay Michaeli, an analyst at TD Cowen who recently upgraded Rivian stock to "buy."

John Voelcker, a Car and Driver editor who has covered electric vehicles for 15 years, called the R2 "an extremely good EV" and the EX60 a "reboot" for Volvo. Both cars mirror the size and driving feel of popular gas-powered models, making the switch to electric feel natural rather than radical.

The Ripple Effect

These affordable electric SUVs arrive as EV demand rebounds from last year's slowdown. More choices at accessible prices mean more families can make the switch without stretching their budgets.

The competition benefits everyone. Tesla dominated for years, but new options from established brands like Volvo and innovative startups like Rivian give buyers vehicles that match their specific needs and values.

As charging infrastructure expands and prices come down, the question shifts from "Can I afford an electric car?" to "Which electric car fits my life?"

Two strong answers just rolled onto dealer lots.

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