Rivian is preparing for one of its most important milestones yet—the arrival of its entry-level R2 electric SUV. To make it happen, the automaker will temporarily halt all production at its Normal, Illinois facility for a three-week period.
In Rivian’s 10-Q filing in August, the company said the shutdown would happen “starting late in the third quarter of 2025,” adding that the shutdown would take place so they could “integrate key elements of our manufacturing process in preparation for the planned start of R2 production in the first half of 2026.”
While Rivian didn’t confirm the exact dates, Rivian owner and enthusiast Chris Hilbe shared on X that the pause would begin on September 15. In a statement to RivianTrackr, Rivian confirmed the pause, meaning no new R1T, R1S, or Commercial Delivery vans will be rolling out of the Normal factory between September 15 and October 6.
Pausing a major production line, especially for three weeks, is never a small decision. The retooling will integrate new manufacturing processes designed specifically for the new platform, allowing the company to hit the ground running when R2 production begins in the first half of 2026.
In its recent SEC filing, Rivian said one upgrades are complete, they expect the Normal plant to expand to an annual capacity of 215,000 vehicles, with improvements in both efficiency and profitability.
The R2, expected to debut with a starting price around US$45,000 (around C$61,000), represents Rivian’s push into the more affordable EV market. Positioned below the more premium R1T pickup and R1S SUV, the R2 is designed to broaden Rivian’s appeal and compete more directly with mainstream electric vehicles (EVs) from the likes of Tesla, Ford, Hyundai, and others.
Rivian is also building out infrastructure around its Normal site to support the launch of R2 production, including an adjacent $120 million supplier park designed to streamline logistics and reduce costs.
As R2 production nears, Rivian is streamlining its workforce, laying off around 225 employees last week.
