Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is reducing its workforce at its Normal, Illinois, production facility, eliminating more than 100 salaried positions as it prepares for the upcoming launch of its R2 electric vehicle series.
The job cuts, largely affecting the manufacturing division, are part of Rivian’s ongoing effort to streamline operations in advance of mass production of its more affordable EV lineup, scheduled for 2026.
According to TechCrunch, approximately 140 roles are being eliminated. Rivian said the decision was made “as part of an ongoing effort to improve operational efficiency for R2.” Crain’s Chicago Business noted that affected employees are eligible for rehire and encouraged to apply for other internal roles.
Following the announcement, rival EV startup Scout Motors—owned by Volkswagen—moved quickly to attract laid-off talent. As first reported by Autoblog, Scout Motors’ head of logistics, Jacopo Marzetti, posted a message on LinkedIn expressing support for the displaced workers and encouraging them to consider applying to open roles at Scout.
Scout Motors currently lists 133 job vacancies, including positions in engineering (drive systems, body systems, energy systems), logistics, vehicle software, and electrical engineering.
The majority of roles are based in Columbia, South Carolina, where Scout is developing its EV production facility, with additional positions located in Fremont, California, and Novi, Michigan.
While both Rivian and Scout are entering the electric pickup and SUV segment, Scout plans to offer range-extended models—something Rivian has avoided—alongside its all-electric vehicles. Scout is also targeting a lower price point, with models expected to start at around $50,000 after incentives. By contrast, Rivian’s R1T and R1S begin at $69,900 and $75,900, respectively.