Rivian prepares to produce the lower-priced R2 model at its Normal, Illinois plant after receiving expansion approval. The company obtained approval from Normal town for a major factory expansion. This includes a new building covering 1.14 million square feet. On August 19, the Normal council voted in favor of Rivian’s factory expansion. The site plan modification includes a new “R2” building on the east side of the main plant, also measuring 1.14 million square feet.
The expansion plan includes enlarging the existing 3.8 million square feet of factory space by about 208,000 square feet. This increases the footprint by about 5%. The new section features a conveyor system that connects Rivian’s existing facility to the developing new R2 factory. Rivian also received approval to build four new parking lots. Three lots will serve employees, and one will accommodate new cars waiting for shipment. The only aspect of the factory expansion needing additional review is the impact on traffic and stormwater management. Rivian is conducting a traffic impact analysis and will submit it to the Public Works and Engineering Director of Normal Town.
After releasing the R2, Rivian announced it will produce the new electric vehicle in Normal. Rivian stated that expanding the factory will speed up the R2’s launch and save about $2.25 billion. The planned upgrades will increase the electric vehicle output from about 150,000 to 215,000 units. The annual production of the R2 will reach 155,000 units, nearly double that of the R1T and R1S. Rivian plans to start R2 production in early 2026. The R2 measures 4,715 mm in length, 1,700 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,935 mm. People often compare it to the Tesla Model Y. However, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe promised that the R2 will differ significantly from other models. Although the Rivian R2 is not yet on sale, it has already attracted a substantial following. Tim Fallon, Rivian’s VP of Production, stated that pre-orders for the R2 “far exceed 100,000” and continue to rise.