Rivian is moving ahead with preparations for the production of its upcoming R2 compact crossover, expected to enter volume production in early 2026. The company is currently building out its assembly line in Normal, Illinois, while a pilot production line in California is already assembling pre-production models for validation and testing.
While the R2 made its debut in March 2024 in what appeared to be near-production form, the prototype used at the unveiling was based on the existing R1 platform. That version, though functional, lacked the cost efficiencies required for a compact electric vehicle intended for mass production. As a result, Rivian opted to delay production in favor of significant platform and component redesigns.
Changes to the R2 include the removal of certain features that proved costly or impractical, such as fully foldable seats and a unique Accessory Port. The vehicle will use a simplified chassis with adaptive dampers rather than air suspension, and its front and rear axles will use MacPherson and five-link setups respectively. Rivian has also introduced redesigned drive units and will utilize 4695-format battery cells, which offer a lower-cost alternative but pose thermal management challenges.
Rivian’s decision to avoid an 800-volt electrical architecture in favor of more affordable Infineon power modules reflects its strategy to streamline production. Meanwhile, construction continues on a supplier park near the Illinois factory to support the upcoming production run.
CEO RJ Scaringe has shared regular updates on the R2’s progress, including images from the California pilot line showcasing battery and chassis assembly steps. While the final production model differs significantly from the original prototype, Rivian is aiming to deliver a competitively priced crossover with quality-focused engineering.