Someone is trying to flip a new Rivian R2 for $80,000 — $20K over MSRP

A private seller in Colorado has listed a brand-new 2027 Rivian R2 Performance for $79,900 — about $20,000 more than Rivian charges for the same configuration. Rivian's R2 Performance starts at $57,990, and with the $1,495 destination fee, the first cars are delivering at $59,485. The listing describes a car with just 50 miles on it, full features included, and a seller's note claiming it was meant as a gift that's "no longer needed" — a common sign of a flip attempt.

This kind of markup usually only works when a vehicle is hard to get, and that's not the case here. Rivian began R2 deliveries on June 9, and the company says order-to-delivery time is currently just two to six weeks. Rivian is also targeting 20,000 to 25,000 R2 deliveries this year. Anyone who wants an R2 can simply order one directly from Rivian at sticker price and wait a short time, choosing their own configuration and getting the factory warranty in the process.

For homeowners weighing an EV purchase, the practical takeaway is straightforward: there's no need to pay a premium to skip a short wait. If you're considering an R2 or similar EV, it may also be worth looking into home solar, since charging at home with solar can help lock in lower fuel costs over the life of the vehicle, especially as electricity rates continue to rise.