Rivian launches second generation of its flagship EV models

The new models, like all Rivian vehicles, will be made in Normal, where the California-based company has roughly 8,500 workers. Company leaders said last month that they plan to expand the 4 million-square-foot plant and create 550 new jobs over the next five years, aided by a $827 million state incentive package. 

The second generation of Rivian’s R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck look similar to their predecessors, but the company said the new EVs have been completely reengineered, incorporating hundreds of hardware and software improvements. Deliveries of both new vehicles will start immediately for customers.

The R1T was Rivian’s introduction to the EV industry and began production in 2021, and the more expensive R1S launched the following year. While expensive to manufacture and so far still sold at a loss, the two models helped garner Rivian attention as a potential rival to EV pioneer Tesla.

In addition to the R1 series and electric delivery vans now made in Normal, Rivian announced in March that it would launch production of a highly anticipated new model, the smaller R2 crossover, at the existing plant. That model was originally slated for production in Georgia, but Rivian said it would pause work on the planned $5 billion plant an hour east of Atlanta as a temporary cost-saving measure. 

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has said that he remains committed to building the Georgia factory and hiring 7,500 workers, but a timeline for construction to begin has not been released.

The R2 series is expected to launch production in Illinois in 2026 and Rivian has said production of the crossover will expand to Georgia to build scale.

Rivian, which has yet to turn a profit, has said it will lose money again this year, but expects to enter the black during the fourth quarter. Boosting sales and reaching consistent profitability are vital for Rivian’s future.

The EV upstart went public in 2021 and saw its valuation soar as investors recognized the company as a Tesla rival. Though Rivian’s vehicles have generally been well-reviewed, the company has suffered setbacks from supply chain issues and slower-than-expected production. High interest rates and consumer hesitancy to adopting EVs have been other obstacles.

Scaringe said in Thursday’s news release that the “revamped R1S and R1T push the technical boundaries further, creating our most capable products to date.”

The next generation of the R1T and R1S can feature multiple motor configurations, all of which are now designed, engineered and manufactured in-house, the release said. Customers can also opt for larger battery packs that offer an estimated 420 miles of range, a 56% increase over the company’s standard battery packs.

New R1Ts start at $69,900, matching the advertised sticker price of its predecessor. New R1Ss start at $75,900, which is $1,000 more than the prior generation.

Cox Enterprises, which owns The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, also owns about a 3% stake in Rivian.

The Pantagraph contributed reporting.