R2 Production in Normal Illinois. Why not?

[Alex702]

Bear with me here. Can someone answer the question as to why Rivian cannot produce the R2 in their current factory? If there's a high demand after March 7th, wouldn't they want to get the vehicle into production ASAP? I know Tesla was able to produce all four of their models from the Fremont factory. Maybe cut one of the production lines from the R1 model to make room for the R2.
Anyways, I know nothing about factories and vehicle production. Just wondering out loud.

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[Dark-Fx]

why can't they just think really hard about the R2 and have them magically appear in my driveway?

Rivian likely needs to start from scratch to take advantage of all of the areas where they can save on costs, production or otherwise.

 

[beyondgravity]

I agree. I hope they make it multi-platform / product site.

 

[evguy]

I believe Rivian only has two production lines in Normal - one for the R1T/R1S, and another for the RCV. So I don't think they can make room for R2 unless they stop R1 or RCV production, or build a third line in Normal. They're not going to stop producing R1 or RCV, and I don't know if Normal has space for a third line. Assuming I'm right about the need for a new production line, it's not clear that building it in Normal would be all that much quicker than building it in GA. But I'm no expert either, will be interesting to see what they come up with. Would be great if the R2 reveal includes an announcement that delivers will begin some time in 2025.

 

[Autolycus]

Why invest billions on one new factory when you can invest billions on a new factory and a massive increase in space and capacity at your current one?

 

[mikehmb]

Maybe point OP to the threads in question?

I’m not averse to pointing out that questions may have been answered, but the forum search tool is bad on a good day and hopeless every other.

 

[Alex702]

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...y-r2-can-be-produced-earlier-in-normal.24471/
BTW this is the only other thread that comes up dealing with the topic in a search. Coincidentally, it was posted the same day as a thread I posted on February 23rd, so no idea what time. Unfortunately, I don't live, breathe, and eat on these forums.

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