R2 customer production started today! R2 configurator / ordering starts June

[macb00kemdanno]

The First Customer R2 Rolls Off The Line!

Video of RJ driving Catalina Cove R2 at start of production celebration. R2's in other colors follow.

Video of RJ and plant leaders saying some words at start of R2 production launch in Normal plant. Video posted by Chris Hilbert.

Rivian starts production of R2 SUVs, deliveries expected later this spring

SAN FRANCISCO, April 22 (Reuters) - Rivian (RIVN.O), opens new tab on Wednesday started production of its smaller R2 SUVs, with customer deliveries expected later this spring, the ‌electric-vehicle maker said, as it bets on a lower-cost model to broaden demand and put it on a firmer path to profit.

The R2 rollout is a pivotal moment for Rivian, best known for its high-end R1 pickups and SUVs. The new vehicle is expected to compete with Tesla's (TSLA.O), opens new tab best-selling Model Y and drive growth at a time when the removal of key tax credits has hurt U.S. electric-vehicle demand.

"We've been encouraged by the ⁠reservations that we've been receiving for the R2 product overall," Chief Financial Officer Claire McDonough told Reuters, without disclosing specifics.

"We'll start to invite customers to begin to configure their vehicles in the June time frame. So, we'll have better visibility at that point."

MARGINS

Rivian said last month it will start deliveries with a launch variant priced at $57,990. A Premium trim at $53,990 is expected late this year, followed by a rear-wheel-drive Standard version at $48,490 in the first half of 2027. A keenly awaited $45,000 variant is due by late 2027.

Once production reaches a higher run rate in 2027, the R2 will cost Rivian less than half as much to build as the R1, McDonough said.

Those savings hinge on an aggressive consolidation ‌and elimination ⁠of parts, Rivian told Reuters. Die castings cut costs by 32%, a new drive unit delivered a 25% reduction and a simplified suspension slashed spending by 72%.

Still, McDonough said the R2 will initially weigh on margins before helping them. Rivian expects to exit 2026 with positive automotive gross profit margins, supported by rising R2 output and lower non-material costs across its R1 lineup and ⁠commercial vans, she said.

Rivian's 2026 delivery forecast implies roughly 22,000 to 23,000 R2 deliveries this year, assuming steady demand and a smooth production ramp.
Chief Operating Officer Javier Varela said the biggest risk lay outside Rivian, in the supply chain, so it had put "boots on ⁠the ground" at key suppliers to spot disruptions early.

BNP Paribas analysts expect fewer than 400 deliveries this quarter, before volumes ramp to about 7,000 in the third quarter and about 15,000 in the fourth.
The R2 also sits at the ⁠heart of Rivian's broader strategy beyond vehicle sales. The company has rolled out a $2,500 driver-assistance package, developed a custom self-driving chip and last month struck a deal with Uber that includes up to a $1.25 billion investment tied to a robotaxi partnership built around the R2.

https://www.reuters.com/business/au...veries-expected-later-this-spring-2026-04-22/

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[AdventureR1S]

Does that mean the configurator is about to open?

 

[godfodder0901]

Does that mean the configurator is about to open?

June.

 

[Eric9610]

May be some credence to May the 4th for early reservation holders.

 

[derekmw]

Maybe they’ll start opening configurations as they roll these out…one can wish

 

[Viking80]

Does “first customer” mean not a Rivian employee? If so, who is getting these coming off the line without a configurator?

 

[1974D2004X4]

The First Customer R2 Rolls Off The Line!

https://www.reuters.com/business/au...veries-expected-later-this-spring-2026-04-22/

WOW a EV company that does what it says it will.......

 

[sparked]

Does “first customer” mean not a Rivian employee? If so, who is getting these coming off the line without a configurator?

Might be for employees and these are just the final production builds .

Weirdly some people are saying it's for regular customers and not employees. But the employee builds should be the same so this doesn't make much sense.

 

[derekmw]

I think these are being stockpiled for June since it's so little production. No reason to deliver ten vehicles. Build up a small stockpile and start moving them out with a June configurator launch.

Still exciting. June is looking more real!

but I want mine right now!

 

[McLovin]

but I want mine right now!

Ok, calm down, Veruca...

 

[Katsudon]

Start of product pictures - RJ, workers and Catalina Cove R2 at the plant.

 

[iamnid]

I wonder what that series of speed bumps immediately after the roll out is for? Find any immediately loose pieces?

 

[Dark-Fx]

Start of product pictures - RJ, workers and Catalina Cove R2 at the plant.

RJ needs a tailor.

 

[sparked]

Start of product pictures - RJ, workers and Catalina Cove R2 at the plant.

RJ looks happy as heck! Kudos to him. Probably one of the biggest days in his career!

 

[tivoboy]

I wonder what that series of speed bumps immediately after the roll out is for? Find any immediately loose pieces?

Probably just to keep excited employees from hooning..

Let’s hope Quality is Job One!.

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