Rivian has started building its new R2 electric SUV at the Normal, Illinois plant, a move that follows a recent tornado that damaged a storage building. CEO RJ Scaringe pulled the first finished unit off the line on Wednesday, signaling the company’s intent to push the model into production for customers by late spring 2026.

Customers will not be able to configure orders until June, according to CFO Claire McDonough, and the first deliveries—limited to the highest‑priced Launch Package—are slated for later this spring. Electrek reports that the initial units will be shipped to Rivian staff, while the public waits for the $45,000 base model in late 2027 and not.

The R2 sits between Rivian’s flagship R1 and Tesla’s Model Y, offering a lighter body and at least 300 miles per charge. All trims feature a native NACS port and can boost from 10 % to 80 % in under thirty minutes when DC‑fast charging. Pricing starts at $57,990 for the Launch Package in late 2026 and also available.

With production underway, Rivian signals its entry into the competitive SUV market, aiming to capture buyers who found the Model Y’s price too high. While the company delays the cheaper base variant, it already offers a lineup that reflects its focus on performance and charging convenience. The R2’s launch underscores Rivian’s strategy to expand its fleet.