Rivian paused $5 billion Georgia plant to boost R2 production in Illinois 

Rivian has paused the construction of its $5 billion Georgia manufacturing plant to boost the production of its new Rivian R2 electric SUV at Normal, Illinois facility.

The company has announced that the new step will save it $2.25 billion in setting up a new production line at the Georgia plant.

“Beyond significantly reducing the amount of capital needed to bring R2 to market the company believes this approach considerably reduces risk to the launch and associated ramp;” said Rivian on Thursday.

In 2021, the EV maker committed to an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Georgia with a $5 billion investment. The new plant measures 1,800 acres to host 7,500 employees. This facility was expected to be completed by 2026.

Last December, the company selected Clayco Construction firm to build this EV base located at Stanton Springs, Georgia. Its annual production capacity was estimated at 400,000 vehicles.

Rivian says that the plant is still a part of its strategy to expand the production of the R2 and R3 models. However, the timing to resume this construction is not confirmed as the company wants to focus on the initial deliveries of the Rivian R2.

With the change in plans, the existing Normal facility will expand the total annual output of 215,000 units across all vehicles – R1T, R1S, EDV, RCV, and R2.

(source – Rivian)