Rivian has officially started production of its highly anticipated R2 electric crossover, marking a significant milestone for the automaker. The company announced that customer deliveries remain on track for later this spring, despite a recent tornado damaging part of its Illinois factory.
In a blog post, Rivian confirmed that the first customer cars are rolling off the production line and undergoing final quality checks. Those who reserved an R2 will receive invitations to configure their vehicles starting in June, according to CFO Claire McDonough.
The Launch Edition of the R2 Performance, priced at $57,990, offers 656 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, and 330 miles of range. Rivian plans to introduce a Premium trim in late 2026 and a Standard model in 2027, with the base $45,000 version arriving by late 2027.
Rivian expects the R2 to cost half as much to build as the R1 once production ramps up. This model is seen as pivotal for the company, aiming to transition from a niche EV maker to a mass-market player, reminiscent of Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y era.