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Rivian Sets June Start for R2 Deliveries as Validation Builds Ramp in Illinois

The company is leveraging a retooled Normal, Illinois facility to scale a lower-cost, higher-volume SUV.

Overview

  • Rivian told local outlet WGLT during a Normal, Illinois factory tour that first R2 customer deliveries are planned for June.
  • Production-intent validation vehicles began rolling off the Normal line on January 15, supporting certification, crash testing, and EPA range work.
  • The automaker expanded its Normal campus by 2.6 million square feet with a $1.5 billion investment, adding a dedicated R2 line and new logistics infrastructure.
  • Rivian previously advanced R2 production in Illinois and delayed its planned Georgia plant, a move reported to have saved over $2.25 billion.
  • The R2 targets a broader market with a base price around $45,000, with higher-priced trims likely to arrive first as investors watch the model’s gross-margin impact.