Gov. Pritzker Highlights Jobs, Innovation, and Illinois’ Growing EV Ecosystem with Visit to Rivian, As R2 Production Underway

On May 19, 2026, ​​the Office of Governor JB Pritzker announced Pritzker and local officials visited Rivian, to highlight how Illinois’ continued investments in electric vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure, and workforce development are helping expand the state’s growing EV economy. As Rivian ramps up production of its upcoming R2 midsize SUV, the company’s expanding operations in Normal, Illinois continue creating jobs and reinforcing the state’s role as a major hub for advanced manufacturing and electrification.

A major milestone came in April 2026 when Rivian produced the first R2 vehicle at its Normal manufacturing facility on Earth Day. The launch marked years of collaboration between Rivian and state, regional, and local partners. Rivian’s newly operational supplier park is now working alongside the adjacent assembly plant to improve supply chain efficiency and support production of both the R1 and R2 vehicle platforms. Once fully scaled, the Normal facility is expected to produce up to 155,000 R2 vehicles annually.

“Illinois is proving when you invest in people, infrastructure, and innovation, companies choose to grow here,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Rivian’s rollout of the R2 off the production line in Normal marks a major milestone that reflects years of partnership paying off. Rivian’s continued expansion is creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our manufacturing base, and helping to position central Illinois as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.” ​

To improve logistics and worker safety between the manufacturing plant and supplier park, the Illinois Department of Transportation provided an $11.5 million grant to build a tunnel beneath U.S. Route 150 connecting the two facilities.

“We are grateful for the support of Governor Pritzker and all our Illinois state and local partners as we begin to launch R2,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “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.”

The supplier park has also helped attract additional EV and automotive suppliers to Illinois, strengthening the state’s supply chain network and creating new economic opportunities throughout Central Illinois. Companies participating through Illinois’ REV Illinois incentive program include Adient and OPmobility.

Illinois has also invested heavily in workforce development tied to Rivian’s expansion. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a $5 million grant to Heartland Community College to develop EV Pathways programs focused on manufacturing careers, apprenticeships, technical training, and dual-credit opportunities for local students. Approximately 140 participants have already engaged with the program.

“Rivian’s continued growth in Illinois is a great example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration between industry, government, and regional partners,” said Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Through strategic investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing, Illinois is building a robust electric vehicle ecosystem that is creating jobs, strengthening local communities, and driving long-term economic growth.”

“As the transportation hub of North America, Illinois has emerged as a leader in EV manufacturing and innovation under Gov. Pritzker,” said IDOT Secretary Gia Biagi. “We congratulate Rivian on their success and look forward to working together to create even more jobs and economic opportunity for many more years to come.”

State officials also supported the creation of a dedicated EV manufacturing training academy in partnership with Heartland Community College to prepare workers for careers in advanced manufacturing at Rivian. Looking ahead, Rivian plans to collaborate with regional community colleges to launch an onsite manufacturing training academy at its Normal facility.

Illinois has continued supporting Rivian’s long-term growth through additional investments. In 2024, Rivian announced a $1.5 billion investment to produce the R2 in Normal and create more than 550 full-time jobs. In 2025, the company unveiled plans for a new 1.2 million-square-foot supplier park across from the main plant, representing another $120 million investment and nearly 100 additional direct jobs.

Rivian Introduces R2 Lineup, Sharing Full Trims and Pricing

​Rivian has officially revealed the full R2 lineup, giving consumers a closer look at the company’s upcoming midsize electric SUV that is designed to bring Rivian’s technology, performance, and adventure-focused design to a broader audience at a lower price point. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in spring 2026 with the high-performance launch model, while additional trims will follow through 2027.

The R2 is smaller and lighter than Rivian’s larger R1S SUV but still retains the company’s signature styling, off-road capability, and utility-focused design. Pricing is expected to start around $45,000 for future base models, while the initial R2 Performance Launch Package starts at roughly $57,990. Depending on the trim, Rivian estimates driving ranges between 275 and 345 miles.

The top Performance trim features dual-motor all-wheel drive, 656 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of approximately 3.6 seconds, semi-active suspension, and up to 330 miles of estimated range. Rivian says the R2 was engineered to balance everyday practicality with strong off-road capability, including nearly 10 inches of ground clearance and towing capacity up to 4,400 pounds.

Inside, the R2 includes dual digital displays, redesigned haptic steering wheel controls, fold-flat seating for cargo and camping, and a powered rear liftgate window that lowers completely for hauling gear. The SUV also introduces Rivian’s latest software and autonomy platform with built-in hardware for the company’s Autonomy+ hands-free driving system.

The vehicle will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Rivian says the R2 is a major step toward expanding beyond premium EV buyers into the mass-market electric SUV segment. Analysts and investors increasingly view the R2 as one of Rivian’s most important vehicles because its success could significantly shape the company’s long-term growth and profitability.