Rivian remains to be on monitor to launch the midsize R2 subsequent yr. The enlargement at its Regular, Illinois, plant is rapidly advancing because it preps for R2 deliveries in 2026. Rivian says it’s “barely forward” on development. Right here’s the most recent replace on Rivian’s R2 enlargement in Regular.
Rivian R2 launch remains to be on monitor for 2026
Even throughout the Illinois winter, Rivian mentioned development has progressed properly. Rivian is constructing a brand new 1.1-million-square-foot constructing on the east facet of the plant, which would be the physique store and common meeting for R2.
The Regular plant, the place Rivian builds the present R1S, R1T, and Electrical Industrial Van, is already 4.3 million sq. ft. As soon as the upgrades are full, the plant will be capable to produce as much as 215,000 automobiles a yr, up from the present 150,000.
Quickly, Rivian expects to complete the roof whereas inside work has already begun. Tony Sanger, VP of manufacturing amenities at Rivian, gave us a couple of updates on its progress.
In line with Sanger, all new buildings are “going vertical.” In different phrases, the partitions, structural parts, and roofing are properly underway.
Rivian completed the partitions for the brand new Physique, Basic Meeting, and Finish of Line constructing. The structural metal is 70% full, whereas the roof decking is about 60% completed.
Sanger mentioned, “We’re working barely forward on this constructing.” The Elements Pre-Deal with and E-Coat Dip constructing is almost fully weather-tight, and Rivian expects its integrator to begin touchdown gear subsequent month.
Rivian’s R2 enlargement remains to be “on monitor” with the midsize platform set to launch in 2026 as deliberate. Sanger defined that prefabrication has been key to staying forward.
Though the brand new 1.1 million sq. foot constructing required Rivian to take down its take a look at monitor, it’s constructing a brand new high-speed monitor, anticipated to open this spring.
Earlier this month, CEO RJ Scaringe gave us a sneak peek of the R2 physique because it preps for manufacturing. Though Rivian will start constructing R2 in Regular, it expects output to ramp up considerably at its new EV plant in Georgia.
The Georgia facility is predicted to return on-line in 2028 with as much as 400,000 annual car manufacturing capability. Rivian says R2 is simply the beginning, with different variants, just like the smaller R3 and sporty R3X, launching shortly after.
Beginning at about $45,000, the R2 can be almost half the price of Rivian’s present R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700).
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