Oncast Tech · Morning Brief

Rivian's Cheaper R2 Takes On Model Y

· Fact-checked before it aired. Unconfirmed claims from this segment are not shown.

Rivian's upcoming R2 SUV is expected to start around $45,000, below $50,000, putting it against the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Ukraine's access to SpaceX's Starshield satellite service has been restricted; Ukrainian soldiers reported the service was still disrupted on Friday.

The Washington Post reported that Ukrainian soldiers said Starshield access remained disrupted Friday even though President Trump said Elon Musk had lifted restrictions.

Fact-check

VERIFIED TRUE

Rivian's upcoming R2 SUV is expected to start around $45,000, below $50,000, putting it against the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

The Rivian R2, starting under $50k, is entering the electric vehicle arena. This positions Rivian directly against the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, marking a significant move in the EV market. #Rivian #EV https://t.co/OVWCxVMo5F

Original post · Test Miles (@nikjmiles)

[fool.com](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/07/10/rivian-is-getting-a-boost-from-california-could/) NAMES: R2 = Rivian's upcoming smaller, more affordable el

VERIFIED TRUE

Ukraine's access to SpaceX's Starshield satellite service has been restricted; Ukrainian soldiers reported the service was still disrupted on Friday.

Ukraine losing access to Starshield raises serious concerns for our national security—like who controls critical capabilities the U.S. government has spent billions to procure & how decisions to restrict them are made. I'm demanding answers from the Department of Defense & SpaceX

Original post · Richard Blumenthal (@blumenthal.senate.gov)

[washingtonpost.com](https://wapo.st/3UeuOlS) NAMES: Starshield = SpaceX's defense/security satellite service built on Starlink; DoD = Department of Defense.

VERIFIED TRUE

The Washington Post reported that Ukrainian soldiers said Starshield access remained disrupted Friday even though President Trump said Elon Musk had lifted restrictions.

Ukraine says satellite access still restricted despite Trump saying otherwise The president said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starshield, but Ukrainian soldiers said the service was still disrupted Friday. wapo.st/3UeuOlS Gift article

Original post · Jamie Gangel (@jamiegangel.bsky.social)

[washingtonpost.com](https://wapo.st/3UeuOlS) NAMES: Starshield = SpaceX's defense/security satellite service built on Starlink; SpaceX = Elon Musk's rocket and

Sources

What the hosts said

CGood morning, it's Saturday just after six. I'm Chris.
MAnd I'm Matilda. The big stories since last night start with a fight in EV land.
CRivian just aimed its cheaper SUV straight at the Model Y.
MThe R2?
CThe R2. Test Miles posted the rundown: starting around forty-five thousand dollars.
MThat's below the magic fifty.
CIt faces the Model Y, Hyundai's Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, and Ford's Mustang Mach-E.
MThat's the entire mid-size electric class.
CThis is the vehicle Rivian had to build if it wants real volume.
MThey've needed it for three years. The question is production.
CThe Illinois plant already makes the R1. Scaling for the R2 is the plan.
MPlans are cheap. Rivian has to actually deliver.
CIf they do, they'll pull buyers who are bored of the Model Y.
MI'll wait for delivery numbers. Not reservation hype.
CFair. But the R2 already has my attention.
MDifferent EV story, and this one is a claim, not confirmed.
CWhat's the claim?
MJames Croft on X says the California governor would rather give EV contracts to Chinese BYD than Tesla or Rivian.
CIf that's true, it's a terrible look for California.
MBut there's no public state contract showing BYD got that deal.
CSo it's a rumor built on years of Sacramento-Tesla tension.
MExactly. That tension makes people believe it.
CWe'll keep an eye on actual awards, not anger.
CMeanwhile, an Indian name is suddenly on top of an EV efficiency list.
MJugal Kej on X says Tata Motors ranks first globally in battery-electric efficiency for 2025.
CTata ahead of everyone?
MThe ICCT does publish those rankings, but I didn't see that top spot in the public results.
CSo treat it as one post's claim until the report lands.
MYes. Tata does make small, efficient EVs. Let's see the official number.
CFor now, Saturday's EV recap: one real launch, one rumor, one ranking to verify.
MAnd one question: can any of them match the Model Y on price and volume?
CWe'll find out. That's the brief.

Cite this story as https://oncast.fm/story/1792836135651-tech-segment-rivian-s-cheaper-r2-takes-on-model-y. Fact-check by Oncast. Cite the original sources above too.

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