Rivian R2 Update: A New Chapter in Rivian’s Electric Revolution

Rivian R2 Launch: All You Need to Know

Moving full speed, Rivian is almost ready to reveal its much-awaited R2 electric SUV. Here is the most recent view of behind-the-scenes development.

R2 Electric SUV by Rivian Is Perfect for a 2026 Launch

Rivian’s building crews are ahead even if an Illinois winter is relentlessly cold. At the center of it all, their Normal, Illinois plant is growing with a brand-new 1.1-million-square-foot body shop and general assembly facility for the R2.

Currently spanning 4.3 million square feet, Rivian’s Normal factory produces R1T pickups, R1S SUVs, and electric commercial vans. Once these improvements are finished, production capacity will rise from 150,000 to 215,000 automobiles yearly, attesting to a significant achievement for the ambitious expansion goals of the carmaker.

The roofing job is almost finished, while inside construction is well underway. Tony Sanger, Vice President of Production Facilities at Rivian, verified that development is somewhat ahead of plan.

Building Update

New Production Hubs Designed by Rivian Take Shape

Sanger enthusiastically said, “All new buildings are going vertical.” Translation? Structural frames are up, walls are enclosed, and roof systems are rapidly locking in.

Right now, things look like this:

• Body, General Assembly, and End of Line Construction
• completely built walls
• Structural metal is seventy percent done.
• About 60% completed the roof decking.
• Parts Pre-treatment and E-coating dip building: almost entirely weather-sealed
• Starting next month is equipment installation.

Keeping the timeframe ambitious has been much aided by prefabrication methods. Rivian had to remove its original test track to accommodate the new amenities. Still, this spring, a new high-speed test track will open.

First Views of the Rivian R2 Electric SUV

As the R2 approaches production-ready, CEO RJ Scaringe gave EV enthusiasts an exclusive view of the body earlier this month.

Targeting a jaw-dropping 400,000-car yearly capacity, Rivian’s considerably larger Georgia factory is almost ready for production. At the same time, initial units roll out from the Normal plant.

Adding thrills, Scaringe also displayed the first R2 in e-coat—a greenish finish evocative of Rivian’s famed Launch Green. Rumor has it that the lineup might include a Launch Green R2.

R2, R3, and R3X Rivian’s Future Lineup

The R2 is the opening act exclusively. Rivian already fast-tracks two more models:

R3: An affordable, smaller electric SUV

R3X: An athletic, performance-oriented variation.

Starting around $45,000, the R2 is far more reasonable than Rivian’s current models—the R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700).

Final Thoughts

The Electrifying Path Ahead for Rivian. Plus, new production megasites are coming up, and the R2 and its siblings are on the horizon; Rivian is ready to shock the market like never before. Their dedication to accessibility and creativity might define the EV market in the following years.

Stay tuned with AboutEVs.com—your first choice for all things electric—for the freshest updates on Rivian and the most recent news from the EV scene.

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