Rivian is making significant strides toward the launch of its highly anticipated midsize R2 SUV, scheduled for 2026.
The company is rapidly advancing construction at its Normal, Illinois plant, where a new 1.1 million-square-foot building is being erected to serve as the body shop and assembly area for the R2.
According to Rivian, approximately 70% of the structural steel for the facility has been completed, and they are currently just slightly ahead of schedule.
The base price of the R2 will start at around $45,000
The expansion at the Normal plant, already boasting 4.3 million square feet, will ultimately boost production capacity from 150,000 to 215,000 vehicles annually.
Tony Sanger, Rivian’s VP of production facilities, reported that the construction is well underway despite the harsh Illinois winter, with the roof nearing completion and interior work already in progress.
In addition to ramping up production for the R2, Rivian is also laying the groundwork for future vehicle variants, including the smaller R3 and the sporty R3X, both anticipated shortly after the R2 launch.
The base price of the R2 will start at around $45,000, making it nearly half the cost of Rivian’s existing R1S and R1T models, priced at $77,700 and $71,700, respectively.
However, the modifications at the Normal facility have necessitated the dismantling of Rivian’s previous test track. The company plans to construct a new high-speed test track, expected to be operational by this spring.
Looking ahead, Rivian is also preparing for the opening of a new electric vehicle plant in Georgia, slated to begin operations in 2028, with a massive production capacity of 400,000 vehicles annually.
With the R2, Rivian aims to solidify its position in the EV market, continuing to innovate and expand its product lineup in an increasingly competitive landscape.