Rivian ramps up R2 production in Normal as hiring accelerates

Gov. JB Pritzker praised Rivian Automotive's efforts to make Illinois a hub of EV production as the company ramps up production of its R2 mid-size SUV. (25 News)

By Mike Smith

NORMAL, Ill. (25 News) Governor JB Pritzker says Rivian’s R2 production plant is helping to position our area as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.

The governor visited the plant in Normal, where he praised the company’s efforts as they begin to roll out the mid-sized SUV’s, saying the company is helping to position the area as a global hub of electric vehicles.

The EV-maker rolled out its first R2 in Normal in April.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said, “As we prepare for this next phase in scale, technology, and affordability, we will continue to work closely with the state to support American manufacturing, provide thousands of good-paying jobs, and help maintain U.S. leadership in the technologies that are shaping our future.”

25 News says Rivian is expecting to build about 155,000 of the R2s a year once the plant is fully scaled.