Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe on April 22, 2026 drives the primary customer-ready electrical R2 SUV off the meeting line on the firm’s plant in Normal, Illinois.
Courtesy Rivian
Rivian Automotive on Wednesday mentioned it has began production of its new R2 all-electric automobile for prospects at its plant in Normal, Illinois.
The begin of production is a vital milestone for the corporate forward of buyer deliveries, that are scheduled for later this spring. Investors will likely be watching for the corporate to ramp up production for the foreseeable future.
Rivian expects the R2 — an updated, less expensive EV that appears like its flagship R1 SUV — to draw extra consumers and ship on the corporate’s guarantees to chop prices and turn into worthwhile within the years forward.
The first of the R2 midsize automobiles is a $58,000 efficiency mannequin with a “Launch Package” that features a 330-mile vary, twin motors, particular attributes and “lifetime” entry to its Autonomy+ superior driver-assistance system.
Rivian has been touting a inexpensive, entry-level model of the automobile, beginning at $45,000, but it surely mentioned that mannequin, which is anticipated to be much less worthwhile, will not be out there till late 2027. Its present automobiles begin at greater than $70,000.
The R2 production announcement comes lower than every week after a tornado damaged part of the corporate’s plant getting used for R2 components storage and logistics.
Rivian is scheduled to report its first-quarter outcomes and replace traders on R2 production on April 30.
