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StocksMediumUpdated•Originally published 22 April 2026•Updated 22 April 2026•
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Rivian Starts R2 Production in Illinois Despite Tornado Damage

Key Facts

1Rivian has started rolling the first customer-ready R2 SUVs off the production line at its factory in Normal, Illinois.
2Production commenced just days after the factory was hit by an EF-1 tornado that tore off part of the roof.

Rivian has officially commenced production of its first customer-ready R2 SUVs at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois. This milestone comes just days after the factory sustained structural damage from an EF-1 tornado, demonstrating significant operational resilience. The R2 platform, a more affordable mid-size SUV, is considered a critical component of Rivian's long-term growth strategy. Customer deliveries of the R2 vehicle are scheduled to begin later this spring, marking a key step in the model's rollout. By launching this model on time, the company aims to capture a larger market share amid a broader slowdown in the global electric vehicle sector. Investors are closely monitoring the ramp-up phase as the R2 is expected to be a high-volume driver for the company's revenue.