All articles tagged with #rivian
Rivian confirms early R2s will ship without lidar and says the difference in autonomy compared with lidar-equipped models won’t be noticeable for several years; lidar’s main advantage is richer data for future generations, there’s no plan to retrofit, and point-to-point hands-free driving will be available on the lidar-less Launch Package.
Rivian has released the R2 accessory lineup alongside the configurator, with pricing for charging gear (NACS Wall Charger $800; Portable Charger $400; J1772 $50; CCS1 DC Adapter $200) and interior items (All-Weather Mats $225; Cargo Cover $200; Front Sunshade $125; Screen Protector $65). The Cargo Crossbars are not backward compatible with R1, and the Compact Spare Tire is $755—pricing broadly aligns with R1 accessories.
Rivian began rolling out its in-house AI voice assistant across all R1S and R1T via a new OTA update, enabling natural, context-aware commands, multi-step tasks, and knowledge-like responses, with Google Calendar integration as the first external service; a connectivity subscription is required, and the feature will expand to the R2 lineup soon.
Rivian launches Rivian Assistant, a next-gen, in-vehicle AI-powered voice assistant built into Gen 1–2 Rivian models via Connect+. Running on Rivian Unified Intelligence, it enables hands-free, context-aware tasks, proactive app integration (starting with Google Calendar), and vehicle-control capabilities to personalize the driving experience, all while putting privacy controls in the driver’s profile. The update is rolling out to Connect+ subscribers or active trials and may require linking to third-party apps; it is English-only and supported by release notes.
Rivian says its planned Georgia EV factory will be built in two phases for 400,000 units annually but will now target 300,000 per year after the DOE cut its loan to $4.5 billion from $6.6 billion. Vertical construction starts this year, with first loan draws expected by early 2027 and production in Georgia planned for late 2028. The company pivoted its Georgia timeline in 2024 due to funding gaps, continues R2 production at Illinois, and maintains room for future expansion.
Rivian beat Q1 expectations with revenue of about $1.38B and a narrower loss of $0.33 per share, but the stock fell ~5% after hours as investors weigh elevated R2 spending and cash burn against the solid quarter. The company produced 10,236 vehicles and delivered 10,365, maintaining a full-year delivery outlook of up to 67,000. Liquidity stood around $5.4B, down from $6.1B prior, with much of the cash tied to the R2 platform whose large-scale production isn’t expected until 2026. Management stressed cash management going forward; Wall Street’s consensus remains a Moderate Buy with a target near $18, implying ~9.8% upside if spending stays on track.
Rivian will launch the R2 as a Performance Launch Edition only, with several anticipated options not available at initial production, including the Standard single-motor variant, certain wheel options, Borealis/Forest Green/Coastal Cloud colors, Signature interior, LiDAR RAP1, and Gen3 Autonomy. Some colors will arrive later in 2026, though it's unclear if Launch Edition stays exclusive. Rivian aims for 20,000–25,000 R2s in 2026, likely creating a queue for reservations; early units will be scrutinized by reviewers, while the second wave should offer a more sorted configuration.
Rivian has begun producing its R2 electric SUV at the Normal, Illinois plant, with customer deliveries planned for this spring; the company says the R2 should broaden demand and help it achieve profitability, offering a $58,000 Launch Package with a 330-mile range while a lower-cost $45,000 version won’t arrive until late 2027, and the launch follows a tornado that damaged part of the plant used for R2 storage—Rivian is set to report Q1 results and provide R2 updates on April 30.
A tornado damaged Building 2 at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois plant, the factory area assembling the R2 mid-size EV, forcing a temporary closure. Rivian says other facilities remain operational and Building 2 should resume this week. The R2, crucial for profitability and scheduled to start with a performance version around 330 miles of range for about $57,990, faces a later standard release in 2027. Rivian is also backed by a $1.25 billion Uber investment with thousands of R2 orders planned for robotaxi fleets.
Rivian's Normal, Illinois factory was hit by a tornado, damaging Building 2 used for parts storage and logistics for the upcoming R2; the rest of the plant remains operational, no injuries reported, and the damaged area is expected to resume this week as the R2 launch proceeds.
A severe Central Illinois storm damaged Rivian's Normal plant, including Building 2 with a roof collapse in the receiving area; no injuries were reported. The full extent is still being assessed, and it’s unclear whether any R2 tooling or production is affected or how the incident might impact June first drives.
A severe storm in McLean County damaged a Rivian plant site and knocked out power for thousands in Bloomington-Normal. While tornado warnings were issued and multiple potential tornadoes were reported, the National Weather Service had not confirmed a tornado as of reporting. No serious injuries were reported, and emergency crews continued responding and coordinating cleanup as power restoration efforts proceed and residents are urged to stay safe around downed lines.
Rivian could rebound and rally by 2031 if it (1) captures a meaningful share of the midsize SUV market with the lower-priced R2, and (2) achieves Level 4 autonomy in time to fulfill Uber’s deal for 10,000 autonomous R2s (with potential expansion and substantial investment). If either condition stall, Rivian remains a high-risk stock amid competition from Tesla and execution hurdles.
Rivian Automotive secured a major victory in Washington by obtaining the right to sell vehicles directly to consumers, challenging traditional dealership franchise laws and potentially signaling a broader shift in how electric vehicles are marketed and sold in the United States.
