Rivian’s R2 SUV will pause Illinois plant to prepare for mass production

The launch of Rivian’s R2 SUV means the marque will pause work at its Illinois plant to prepare for mass production of the EV.

The three-week pause at the plant was confirmed by CFO Claire Rauh McDonough.

This low-cost R2 SUV is set to come out early next year, but two special events are planned for September.

With a starting price of $45,0000, the company’s CEO said he was more ‘bullish’ on this vehicle than any other they’d made.

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Rivian’s R2 SUV is coming – and the Illinois plant will be paused to prepare

This has been a good year for Rivian – with Q2 revenue up 12.5 percent year on year.

When you’re riding high like that, what better time to bring forth a new vehicle?

That’s where the R2 SUV comes into play.

This SUV will have a starting price of around $45,000, which is $30,000 cheaper than the R1S, but in line with most other electric SUVs on the market.

At any rate, it’s a vehicle that Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe is excited about.

Declaring that he is ‘more bullish’ about it than any other product Rivian has made, Scaringe gushed about the product in a call with analysts.

“I believe the product market fit is incredible. The packaging, the technology, and overall value proposition set R2 up for meaningful share,” he said.

This is high praise from the man who previously declared that he thought the Tesla Model Y was the best EV under $50,000.

Whilst the company prepares for R2 production, its plant in Normal, Illinois, will be closed for three weeks in September.

Affordable EVs – the next frontier?

There’s been a lot of talk about making EVs more affordable in recent months.

Ford has been particularly active in this department, launching its affordable EV family with a small pickup.

Not one to be outdone in the EV department, Tesla is also producing its first affordable electric cars.

And that’s not forgetting Nissan’s contributions to the affordable EV market.

A common criticism of EVs was that they were too expensive, but things are changing fast.

And it’s not just the Western manufacturers turning the tide, as BYD is also making waves with its Denza Z.

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