R2 Deliveries to Begin by June (WGLT report)

[Doc]

Rivian to Begin R2 SUV Deliveries 'By June' | EV:

https://www.wglt.org/local-news/202...the-line-after-fast-track-expansion-in-normal

Rivian's first test R2s come off the line after fast-track expansion in Normal

January 26, 2026

Rivian’s new model, the R2, goes fast — zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds. Turns out, so does Rivian’s construction team.

The electric automaker is starting 2026 with 2.6 million square feet of new space in Normal, where the R2 will be made. Construction took only 11 months — a staggering pace that required creative problem-solving, thousands of workers, and a $1.5 billion investment. The project — the size equivalent of building 14 Walmarts — even came in under budget.

As a result, the first R2s — test models called manufacturing validation build vehicles — drove off the line earlier this month, with the first customer deliveries expected by June.

“The biggest challenge was just the pace and the speed and making sure we kept the teams motivated and driving forward to that,” Tony Sanger, vice president for production facilities at Rivian, told WGLT during a tour around the R2 expansion.

Full article: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/202...the-line-after-fast-track-expansion-in-normal

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[DuoRivian]

No change from their often stated goal of by end of first half of 2026.

 

[ndmiller]

with the first customer deliveries expected by June.

I don't think Rivian has ever specifically said the above, so it's somewhere between an opinion and speculation.

 

[VandalSibs]

That was actually quite a nice article to read - and makes me happier and happier to be a Rivian owner.

• They went with pre-cast concrete walls, which were made in-state (keeping it local!) and also more energy efficient than the steel-walled original factory.
• New building is heated with heat pumps instead of burning natural gas (less fossil fuel use!)
• They did extra detailed site work, above normal processes to make absolutely sure current operations didn't get impacted - "Go slow to go fast".

The other plus is that this article came from local public media. The whole thing makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, which is something I've been needing for a long time.

 

[SANZC02]

That was actually quite a nice article to read - and makes me happier and happier to be a Rivian owner.

• They went with pre-cast concrete walls, which were made in-state (keeping it local!) and also more energy efficient than the steel-walled original factory.
• New building is heated with heat pumps instead of burning natural gas (less fossil fuel use!)
• They did extra detailed site work, above normal processes to make absolutely sure current operations didn't get impacted - "Go slow to go fast".

The other plus that is that this article came from local public media. The whole thing makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, which is something I've been needing for a long time.

This is the best part, rarely does anyone ever say this, especially with a fast tracked project…

”The project — the size equivalent of building 14 Walmarts — even came in under budget.”

Kudos to Rivian on this.

 

[RedRaiderRivian]

This is the best part, rarely does anyone ever say this, especially with a fast tracked project…

”The project — the size equivalent of building 14 Walmarts — even came in under budget.”

Kudos to Rivian on this.

And the contractor(s). I work in engineering and know that great construction projects require excellent contractors.

 

[mkhuffman]

Is it true a R2 can get to 60 in 3 seconds? I have not heard that before.

 

[cadblu]

That was actually quite a nice article to read - and makes me happier and happier to be a Rivian owner.

• They went with pre-cast concrete walls, which were made in-state (keeping it local!) and also more energy efficient than the steel-walled original factory.
• New building is heated with heat pumps instead of burning natural gas (less fossil fuel use!)
• They did extra detailed site work, above normal processes to make absolutely sure current operations didn't get impacted - "Go slow to go fast".

The other plus is that this article came from local public media. The whole thing makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, which is something I've been needing for a long time.

I also liked the part about the roof drains, not needing plumbing to inside the building, which saved on engineering and plumbing expenses. The factories I've worked all had roof drains brought inside, which then drain to the outside. When those drains freeze up on the roof, it's not a good day...

 

[savethemanual]

Is it true a R2 can get to 60 in 3 seconds? I have not heard that before.

Ummm, its been on their website for some time, I believe they are referring to the Tri-Motor.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

I don't think Rivian has ever specifically said the above, so it's somewhere between an opinion and speculation.

I speculated by the end of June and some of the people on the forum attacked me. Technically June 30th is still the first half of 2026.

 

[cohall]

with the first customer deliveries expected by June.

Thanks for sharing, but the author is simply saying deliveries start in 1st half of 2026 in a different way. They don't have any new insider info on delivery timing. Rivian has reiterated this target for over a year. Nothing new in this article.

 

[mkhuffman]

Ummm, its been on their website for some time, I believe they are referring to the Tri-Motor.

Thanks for helping me learn how to fish.

 

[savethemanual]

Thanks for helping me learn how to fish.

 

[CharonPDX]

Is it true a R2 can get to 60 in 3 seconds? I have not heard that before.

For the tri-motor:
https://rivian.com/newsroom/article/rivian-announces-mid-sized-platform

R2 and R3 will feature two battery sizes. The larger pack will achieve over 300 miles of range on a single charge and offer 0-60 mph acceleration in under 3 seconds for the quickest powertrain configuration.

 

[CharonPDX]

"Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will eat for the rest of his life."

"Light a man a fire, and he will be warm for a night. Light a man on fire, and he will be warm for the rest of his life."

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