Rivian’s next big swing is almost here. The compact R2, first revealed in 2024, is now slated to enter production in the second quarter of 2026, with the company expecting the ramp to build momentum later in the year. The timeline sets up 2026 as a transition year where early builds lead into a broader rollout once the factory hits its stride.
On Rivian’s latest earnings call, CFO Claire McDonough said R2 production will start on a single shift at the company’s plant in Normal, Illinois. A second shift is planned to come online later in 2026, which aligns with Rivian’s expectation that volume production will not fully arrive until the second half of the year. In other words, the first wave looks like a launch edition phase before the line really starts feeding dealer and customer demand at scale.
Because that ramp will be gradual, Rivian is keeping its near-term delivery goals in check. The company expects 62,000 to 67,000 total deliveries across its lineup in 2026, with volumes for its existing models staying roughly in line with 2025 levels. Based on that forecast, Rivian is projecting 20,000 to 25,000 R2 deliveries in 2026, a number that fits the reality of a new model launch where production speed matters more than hype.
The long game, though, clearly centers on the R2. With a targeted starting price in the mid $40,000 range and a more mainstream footprint than the current lineup, the R2 is positioned to become the brand’s volume leader. CEO RJ Scaringe has said the R2 should make up most of Rivian’s sales by the end of 2027, and the company points to an expanded Normal facility capable of building up to 215,000 vehicles annually, including 155,000 R2s. Rivian also plans to add additional capacity with a new plant in Georgia later this decade.
As for what buyers will actually get, Rivian has not released final pricing, and launch edition models will likely cost more than the eventual base target. Expectations call for roughly 300 miles of range and a dual-motor setup rated at 656 horsepower, with single-motor and tri-motor variants also on the roadmap. If Rivian executes the ramp cleanly, the R2 could be the model that takes the company from niche favorite to true high-volume EV player, and 2026 will be the first real proof point.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
