Rivian has started series production of its mid-size electric SUV, the R2, at its plant in Normal, Illinois, the company said, with first customer deliveries expected later this spring.
Initial customer-specification vehicles have rolled off the production line but are still undergoing final quality checks and internal validation before being handed over to buyers.
“We are on track to begin handing over keys to our first customers later this spring,” Rivian said in a statement, without specifying an exact delivery date.
The R2 marks Rivian’s entry into a more affordable segment compared to its earlier R1 models, following a strategy similar to that of Tesla in expanding from premium offerings to higher-volume products.
The R2 Performance variant, expected to lead early sales, is priced from $57,990 and includes a Launch Package. A more affordable R2 Premium model with all-wheel drive is scheduled to follow later this year starting at $53,990. Entry-level versions will be introduced in stages, including a rear-wheel-drive R2 Standard from $48,490 planned for 2027, with a lower-priced variant of around $45,000 expected thereafter.
Rivian said the R2 is built on a newly developed mid-size platform designed to balance cost efficiency with performance and brand identity.
“Since that day [the 2024 unveiling], R2 has travelled a long road,” the company said, describing testing in extreme conditions ranging from the Alaskan tundra to the Arizona desert to refine vehicle performance and design.
“We are really excited to be producing R2 for our customers,” said RJ Scaringe, founder and chief executive of Rivian. “The vehicle is incredible — it’s the result of all the hard work and dedication of the Rivian team.”
Rivian Chief Operations Officer Javier Varela said the launch represents progress in manufacturing efficiency. “Building R2 represents a major advance in engineering excellence and manufacturing efficiency, driving meaningful improvements in cost and quality that position Rivian as a leader in the future of transportation,” he said.