Rivian is set to begin deliveries of its highly anticipated R2 electric vehicle in June, expanding access to its popular design at a starting price of around $45,000. The R2 is essentially a more compact version of the R1S, but it introduces several innovative features—including a uniquely designed rear window and wiper system.
The Sliding Rear Window Challenge
The R2’s rear window operates unlike most vehicles: instead of swinging open, it slides down into the tailgate, similar to a car’s side window. This design presented a problem for the rear wiper. Mounting it directly onto the glass was impossible because the glass disappears completely into the tailgate, and other traditional mounting points were ruled out by the vehicle’s overall shape.
Rivian’s solution? A wiper hidden within the tailgate itself.
Built-In Winter Protection
The design is clever, but some observers questioned how it would perform in harsh winter conditions where snow and ice accumulate. Rivian has apparently accounted for this. The compartment housing the wiper includes a small drain to prevent water from pooling underneath the tailgate. More crucially, the assembly also integrates a heating element. This heating system is designed to melt any accumulated snow or ice, channeling the water away before it can freeze and jam the mechanism.
Why this matters: Electric vehicles are increasingly popular in colder climates, where ice buildup can disable critical features. Automakers must address these issues proactively, and Rivian appears to be doing just that. The R2’s wiper design is a practical solution to a common problem, ensuring visibility in all weather.
The R2’s features show that automakers are now anticipating and addressing the specific challenges of EV operation in real-world conditions, not just ideal climates.
