Rivian Automotive is moving ahead with development of its upcoming R2 electric SUV, with CEO RJ Scaringe sharing new images of the vehicle’s validation builds as the company targets scaled production next year.
The R2, Rivian’s second mass-market model after the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, is positioned as a smaller and more affordable battery electric vehicle (BEV). According to the company’s first-quarter 2025 shareholder letter, validation builds are already underway at its Normal, Illinois facility.
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“Validation builds for R2 are progressing on our pilot line!! Can’t wait for R2!!” Scaringe wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside images of the pre-production vehicle.
The update follows Rivian’s recent earnings report, which revealed the company recorded gross profits for a second consecutive quarter. That milestone triggered a $1 billion investment from Volkswagen Group, its joint venture partner.
See also: Rivian Reveals Maximus Drive Unit for Next-Gen R2 EV
The R2 model, first unveiled in March 2024, has attracted hundreds of thousands of reservations and is expected to play a central role in expanding Rivian’s market reach. The company also recently revealed a new “Maximus” drive unit, a lightweight and cost-efficient assembly designed to power R2 vehicles.
While much of the online feedback to the new images has been positive, some customers voiced concerns about build quality in Rivian’s existing models. In response, the automaker is continuing to expand its Illinois plant, which includes a new 1.1 million-square-foot facility intended to house R2 production.