Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has confirmed that the company is working on additional variants of its upcoming R2 electric SUV, beyond the initial launch models. In an interview, Scaringe hinted at an R2X variant but stopped short of a full announcement. The automaker is also exploring the development of its own lidar sensors in collaboration with a Chinese company, signaling potential vertical integration.
Initial R2 production is underway at Rivian's Normal, Illinois factory. However, the R2, along with the smaller R3 and R3X, will also be built at a new plant in Georgia expected to begin operations in 2028. That facility, backed by a $4.5 billion Department of Energy loan, will have the capacity to produce 300,000 vehicles annually.
The Georgia plant will also manufacture robotaxis for Uber as part of a $1.25 billion deal signed in March. Rivian’s existing Normal plant can produce 155,000 R2 units annually, alongside up to 60,000 R1 vehicles and delivery vans.