Overview
- Rivian says R2 manufacturing validation builds are now rolling off the Normal, Illinois line, with one unit embarking on a Route 66 promotional drive.
- The company reiterates customer deliveries will begin in the first half of 2026, though specific start dates have not been announced.
- Rivian retooled and expanded the Normal facility by roughly 1 million square feet and added dedicated R2 lines after shifting production from the planned Georgia plant.
- The automaker defines these validation builds as near-production vehicles made with production-intent tooling to confirm the factory can produce the model correctly at volume.
- R2 is targeted to start around $45,000, with higher-priced trims expected first, and Rivian plans a dedicated R2 event this quarter along with further details during its February 12 earnings call.