Rivian Begins R2 SUV Volume Production

Rivian Automotive has begun volume production of its midsize R2 electric SUV at its Normal, Illinois plant, with initial customer deliveries expected in June 2026. CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed the company is developing additional unannounced variants of the R2 platform, including a potential performance-oriented R2X and possibly a pickup truck.

The R2 rollout starts with the Performance trim, priced at $57,990 and offering 656 horsepower, a 3.6-second zero-to-60 mph time and up to 330 miles of estimated range. Premium models at $53,990 follow later in 2026, with rear-wheel-drive versions at $48,490 debuting in early 2027 and a base model around $45,000 with over 275 miles of range arriving late that year. Rivian projects 20,000 to 25,000 R2 deliveries in 2026, contributing to total annual volume of 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles, a 53 percent increase from prior guidance.

Scaringe discussed the platform's flexibility in a Reuters interview, stating, "There are other variants of R2, which we haven't shown." He added, "So clearly there could be an R2X. There's going to be combinations," but cautioned, "I want to be careful not to announce the program." The upcoming Georgia plant, set to...