Rivian holds groundbreaking for Normal, Il plant expansion
Rivian has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to bring the R2 to market. The Rivian R2 is the electric truck maker’s first mass market vehicle, and it is expected to start production at the company’s Normal, Il plant sometime in 2026.
To commemorate the event, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe shared a photo from the Normal plant expansion’s groundbreaking event on social media platform X. As could be seen in Scaringe’s post, the site of the Normal plant’s expansion is already filled with construction equipment and machinery.
Exciting week in Normal — construction of our expansion for R2 is underway! pic.twitter.com/HfFu7cdIwp
— RJ Scaringe (@RJScaringe) November 8, 2024
The CEO’s sentiments were echoed in a post from Rivian Chief Operations Officer Javier Varela, who noted in a LinkedIn post that the expansion of the Normal plant is specifically designed for the R2. Varela also reiterated Rivian’s goal of starting the production of the all-electric crossover in 2026.
“Rivian R2 is one step closer to coming to market! We broke ground in Normal (Illinois) to begin expanding the plant to build R2, in addition to our current products. R2 is our new fully electric midsize SUV coming in 2026 with a range of more than 300 miles and a starting price around $45,000 (U.S.),” the executive wrote in his post.
The Rivian R2 will start its production at the Normal, Il plant, though plans are still underway to manufacture the mass market all-electric crossover in the planned Georgia plant. Rivian, however, has delayed its plans for its Georgia factory, which suggests that the R2’s initial ramp will likely be determined solely by the Normal plant’s expansion.
Rivian does seem to have some support from Normal’s officials. Last month alone, two proposed expansions to the facility were approved by the Normal Town Council. The support from the Normal Town Council for Rivian’s proposed expansion activities was unanimous.
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