Rivian has begun delivering its new R2 electric SUV to customers, marking a significant milestone for the U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer following the start of series production earlier this year.
The company also announced that existing R2 reservation holders are now being invited to configure their vehicles and place final orders, as Rivian ramps up production of its latest battery-electric model.
Deliveries Follow April Production Start
The R2 entered series production in April 2026 at Rivian’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, after more than two years of development.
Rivian first unveiled the midsize electric SUV in March 2024 and revealed final pricing and trim details in March this year.
Initial deliveries are limited to the R2 Performance Launch Edition, which starts at $57,990 and comes equipped with the Launch Package. Rivian has indicated that additional variants will be introduced later, with entry-level versions expected to start at approximately $45,000.
Reservation Holders Invited to Configure Vehicles
Alongside the first customer deliveries, Rivian has started opening the configuration process for reservation holders, allowing customers to select specifications and finalize their orders.
The company said invitations are being issued based on several factors, including reservation date and delivery location.
The rollout mirrors Rivian’s approach with previous vehicle launches, where early reservation holders receive priority access to production slots.
CEO Highlights Team Effort
Founder and Chief Executive Officer RJ Scaringe said the launch reflects years of work by the company’s engineering and production teams.
“I am really proud of the work our team poured into creating R2.”
“This vehicle reflects the passion and excitement of the entire Rivian team who have worked tirelessly to bring it to life. I can’t wait for customers to experience this vehicle.”
The R2 is widely viewed as a key product for Rivian because it targets a broader segment of the electric vehicle market than the company’s larger and more expensive R1T pickup and R1S SUV.
European Launch Timeline Unclear
One of the remaining questions surrounding the R2 is its availability outside North America.
Rivian previously identified 2027 as the planned launch year for the vehicle in Europe. However, the company removed references to that timeline from its European websites earlier this year, creating uncertainty about when the model may reach the region.
The company’s first-generation R1 vehicles were never officially launched in Europe.
While Rivian has not announced revised plans for the European market, the success of the R2 is expected to play a crucial role in the automaker’s international expansion strategy and broader efforts to increase production volumes in the coming years.
