Rivian Moves R2 to Production as Mid-Market EV Bet Begins

Rivian has begun manufacturing the R2 mid-size electric SUV at its Normal, Illinois plant, with customer deliveries slated for Q2 2026 at approximately $45,000. CEO RJ Scaringe drove the first production unit off the line. The R2 marks Rivian's pivot from premium-segment vehicles toward mainstream market volumes—a shift that will likely determine whether the company sustains independence or becomes an acquisition candidate.