Rivian plans to temporarily halt production at its Normal, Illinois facility for three weeks to prepare for the launch of its entry-level R2 electric SUV, the company indicated in a recent filing. The pause is expected to begin on September 15, according to Rivian owner and enthusiast Chris Hilbe on X, and will last through October 6.
The automaker told RivianTrackr that the shutdown will affect production of its existing R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and Commercial Delivery vans. In an August 10-Q filing, Rivian said the pause would allow the company to “integrate key elements of our manufacturing process in preparation for the planned start of R2 production in the first half of 2026.”
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The R2, expected to start at around US$45,000 (C$61,000), represents Rivian’s push into the more affordable EV segment, positioned below the premium R1T and R1S models. Rivian said in its filing that once upgrades are complete, the Normal plant’s annual capacity is expected to reach 215,000 vehicles, with improvements in both efficiency and profitability.
The company is also developing infrastructure to support the R2 rollout, including a $120 million supplier park adjacent to the factory to streamline logistics and reduce costs. Ahead of production, Rivian recently laid off approximately 225 employees as part of workforce streamlining efforts.
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Last month, Rivian outlined a broader vehicle strategy beyond its current flagship models, which have seen production and sales stabilize over the past two and a half years. The startup is preparing to launch the R2 in 2026, followed by the R3 around 2028 once a new Georgia factory becomes operational. Chief Executive RJ Scaringe said these vehicles are only part of the company’s long-term plans. “We think we’ll probably end up with like, maybe, five or six different vehicles,” Scaringe said during an interview on the Tosh Show podcast. “So after R1, there’s R2 and R3. And after R2 and R3, there’s R4 and R5. And that’s as far out as our product plan goes today, and what we’re working on, but there may be like an R6.”