Revealed in 2024, the Rivian R2 has always felt like more than just another model launch. It is Rivian’s clearest shot yet at scale, profitability, and long-term survival. Now, following the company’s latest fourth-quarter earnings call, we finally have a sharper picture of when the compact electric SUV will hit the road and how Rivian plans to build it.
As first reported by InsideEVsRivian confirmed that R2 production will begin in the second quarter of 2026 at its Normal, Illinois, facility.
Gradual Ramp-Up, Not a Sprint
According to Rivian CFO Claire McDonoughproduction will start cautiously. Initial R2 builds will be limited to a single shift at Rivian’s factory in Normal, ILwith volume production expected to ramp up in the second half of the year. A second shift is planned for 2027 as demand and manufacturing stability improve.
This slow-and-steady approach reflects lessons learned across the EV industry. New models, especially from younger automakers, rarely achieve full-scale production overnight. Rivian appears intent on avoiding costly missteps by prioritizing controlled growth.
Sales Expectations Set a Realistic Tone
Rivian’s delivery forecasts underline that caution. McDonough told investors the company expects to deliver between 62,000 and 67,000 vehicles across its lineup in 2026. That figure includes the R1S, R1T, and Rivian’s electric commercial vans, which are projected to remain roughly flat compared to 2025.
By comparison, Rivian delivered just over 42,000 vehicles across those models in 2025. The math suggests that R2 volumes in its first year could land between 20,000 and 25,000 units, a modest number but a meaningful start for a vehicle designed to scale.
The R2’s Bigger Role in Rivian’s Future
While early volumes may be limited, Rivian’s leadership has been clear about the R2’s long-term importance. CEO RJ Scaringe told CNBC that the R2 is expected to account for the majority of Rivian’s sales by the end of 2027.
The company has expanded its Normal plant to support production of up to 215,000 vehicles annually, including capacity for as many as 155,000 R2s. Beyond Illinois, Rivian is also developing a new manufacturing facility in Georgia, which will assemble the R2 and additional future models later this decade.
Pricing, Power, and What to Expect
Rivian has consistently positioned the R2 as its most accessible model, targeting a base price of around $45,000. Final pricing has not yet been announced, and early launch-edition models are expected to carry higher stickers.
On the technical side, the R2 is shaping up to be anything but entry-level. Rivian has indicated an estimated 300 miles of range and a dual-motor setup producing up to 656 horsepower. Single-motor variants and performance-focused tri-motor versions are also on the roadmap.
For Rivian, the R2 is not just another SUV. It is the model that could finally turn ambition into scale.
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