Rivian Launches New R2 Electric SUV and Upgrades Illinois Plant, Saving Billions
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Rivian is launching its new R2 electric SUV at its Normal, Illinois plant rather than the planned Georgia facility, saving around $2.25 billion in costs.
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The R2 will start at $45,000 and have over 300 miles of range. It's smaller than the R1S but similar in size to the Tesla Model Y.
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Rivian also unveiled the R3 electric crossover and high-performance R3X variant at the R2 launch event.
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Upgrades to the Normal plant will increase annual capacity by 43% to 215,000 vehicles, enabling R2 production there through early 2026.
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Rivian's decision echoes Tesla's move to build next-gen EVs in Texas rather than a planned Mexico plant, allowing more time to optimize new facilities.