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Rivian Reaches Key Milestone for Its R2 Electric SUV, Deliveries Are Coming Soon
Rivian began R2 validation builds to test production and finalize certification, targeting deliveries in H1 2026 and aiming for a $45,000 price to scale volume and profitability.
- On Thursday, Rivian completed its first R2 manufacturing validation builds at the Normal, Illinois factory, with CEO RJ Scaringe sharing images from the production line.
- To prepare for customer deliveries in the first half of 2026, Rivian says validation builds serve to complete certification and test processes, using pre-production units for final certification, crash testing, and EPA range validation, as Rivian spokesperson Courtney Richardson explained.
- Rivian expanded the Normal plant by 1.1 million square feet and installed tooling rapidly after planned delays; the R2 targets at least 300 miles range, $45,000 price, five seats, and three-second 0-60 acceleration.
- These validation builds bring Rivian Automotive one crucial step closer to full-scale, saleable R2 production as the EV maker relies on the mid-size SUV to build economies of scale and profitability.
- With over 30 new EVs launching in the coming year, Rivian Automotive faces growing pressure after delivering just 42,247 EVs in 2025 and recent downgrades by two Wall Street analysts.
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Rivian Starts Building Affordable R2 SUV to Rival Tesla Model Y
Rivian’s R2 Milestone Signals a Pivotal Shift in Affordable EVs Electric vehicle startup Rivian has hit a significant benchmark in its push to bring the R2 SUV to market, with manufacturing validation builds now emerging from its Illinois factory. This development, announced recently, marks a crucial step toward customer deliveries expected in the first half of 2026. As Rivian navigates the competitive terrain of the EV sector, this progress und…
Rivian begins R2 validation builds as customer deliveries near
Rivian has officially begun producing Manufacturing Validation Builds (MVBs) of its upcoming R2 crossover, confirming that customer deliveries are closer than ever. The milestone was confirmed by RJ Scaringe, who shared the update on social […]
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Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
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L 75%
C 25%
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