Overview
- Rivian says R2 manufacturing validation builds are now coming off the line at its Normal, Illinois factory.
- These near‑production units are used to validate tooling and processes to ensure the SUV can be built correctly, repeatedly, and at volume.
- The company reiterated a first‑half 2026 delivery window for R2 but has not announced a firm start date.
- One validation vehicle will travel Route 66 with progress documented on Rivian’s Instagram.
- R2 is targeted to start around $45,000 to compete with Tesla’s Model Y, with an event this quarter to detail initial variants, pricing and LiDAR timing, and further updates expected on February 12 during Rivian’s earnings call.