Rivian Q3 Deliveries Hit Record As Exciting R2 Rollout Gains Momentum

Rivian Automotive reported record third-quarter deliveries, exceeding analysts’ expectations as the company continues rolling out its lower-priced R2 electric SUV aimed at reaching a broader segment of the EV market. Reuters reported the news on October 2, 2026.

Rivian delivered 19,248 vehicles during the quarter ended September 30, beating the analyst average estimate of 18,001 vehicles, according to Visible Alpha data. The company produced 19,751 vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, during the quarter.

The R2, which began deliveries in June, is considered an important part of Rivian’s growth strategy as the EV industry faces a challenging U.S. market environment following the expiration of federal EV tax credits, tariffs, and weaker overall industry demand.

Before the R2, Rivian’s consumer lineup consisted of the R1S SUV and R1T pickup, both positioned as premium electric vehicles.

Rivian reaffirmed its 2026 delivery forecast of 65,000 to 70,000 vehicles, saying quarterly production and deliveries were consistent with its expectations. Analysts estimate the company will deliver approximately 66,685 vehicles this year.

Rivian had previously raised its annual delivery forecast in July. Morningstar senior equity analyst Seth Goldstein said the latest results indicate that the R2 production ramp remains on track, with production volumes expected to increase over the coming quarters.

Greg Revelle, Chief Customer Officer at Rivian, said: “Record quarter! 19,248 Rivian deliveries in Q3. Our best quarter ever, and up 58% from Q2. Nearly every one of those deliveries started with a customer walking into a Space, taking a demo drive, and trusting us with an order. Our advisors, guides, and service teams made it happen while R2 was ramping at the same time. I’ve seen it firsthand on recent store visits, and I could not be more proud of this team. Thank you to everyone who showed up for our customers this quarter, and to our customer leadership team: Gary Gaines, Jenny Lewis, Matt Soldan, Mikhael Farah and Tiger Li. Huge shout out to Noe Mejia and our outstanding service team as well. Awesome work. Lets keep the momentum going and get even more R2s into owners hands!”

Rivian is also expanding its role in autonomous transportation. In March, the company announced a long-term partnership with Uber under which Uber agreed to invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian and begin deploying fully autonomous R2 SUVs as robotaxis starting in 2028.

Rivian is scheduled to report its third-quarter financial results on October 29.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Why The Rivian R2 Is One Of America’s Most Important Vehicles, As Gas Prices Rise

The Rivian R2 could be one of America’s most important and exciting EVs because it targets the mainstream market rather than primarily affluent early adopters. Its lower price, practical SUV design and modern EV technology could make electric driving accessible to millions more Americans.

A successful R2 could also strengthen U.S. EV manufacturing, create jobs and support the domestic battery, charging and technology supply chains. More importantly, putting an affordable, capable EV on American roads could help educate consumers about the benefits of electric driving, including lower energy costs, quiet operation, performance and reduced exposure to gasoline price volatility.

High U.S. gas prices are putting renewed pressure on American drivers and highlighting the economic vulnerability of relying on petroleum for transportation.

When gasoline prices rise, household transportation costs can increase quickly, especially for drivers of larger vehicles and those with long commutes. EVs offer an alternative by allowing drivers to fuel at home with electricity and avoid much of the volatility of gasoline prices. As fuel costs remain elevated, the financial case for switching to an EV becomes increasingly visible to consumers, potentially accelerating interest in electric vehicles, hybrids and other more efficient transportation options.

The R2’s significance goes beyond Rivian’s sales. If it delivers the price, range, practicality, performance and reliability mainstream buyers expect, it could demonstrate that American-made EVs can compete in the largest parts of the U.S. automotive market.