Zac Quinn 
Rivian recently unveiled its R2, R3, and R3X SUV offerings, which aim to give customers a more affordable option for purchasing a Rivian EV. Each vehicle has features including fast acceleration, an estimated range of over 300 miles, and self-driving. However, as the company intends to begin production of the R2 sometime at the beginning of 2026, the Georgia plant won’t be the location for building it. The R3 and R3X are intended for the new factory.
Rivian Illinois and Georgia Plant Production: Details
The new Rivian plant has paused its construction, which means the original timing of opening sometime this year likely won’t happen. To enable Rivian to launch the R2 earlier and with a considerable reduction in the capital required for its launch, Rivian plans to start production of R2 in its existing Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility. Beyond significantly reducing the amount of capital needed to bring R2 to market, this will also decrease the risk to the launch and associated ramp, ultimately expanding the total capacity for the site to 215,000 units per year. However, the Georgian plant remains vital for the company’s strategy.
Rivian’s Georgia plant will scale production of R2 and R3. Construction is expected to resume “later” so that its teams can focus on the capital-efficient launch of R2 in Normal, Illinois. In total, Rivian projects that it will have an estimated savings of over $2.25 billion compared to the original forecast of launching the first line of R2 production at its Georgia site. The savings are expected to come from capital expenditures, product development investment, and supplier sourcing opportunities.
By producing the Rivian R2 alongside the R1T, R1S, EDV, and RCV, the company is able to push the start of R2 production towards the first half of 2026. The R2, R3, and R3X will be produced at the Georgia plant, but since construction has been on pause, the R3 and R3X likely won’t begin production until 2027 or later.
