Rivian R2 Production Begins Despite A Tornado

Over the weekend, Rivian's factory in Normal, Illinois was hit by a tornado, according to messages viewed by CNBC. The tornado touched down on the plant, and damaged areas used for parts storage and logistics for Rivian's most important upcoming model, the R2. The R2 is the brand's upcoming entry-level model, set to start at $48,490 MSRP. It should bring serious volume to a brand that has long been defined by its high-dollar luxury SUV and truck combo, the Rivian R1T and R1S. No one was injured in the event.

CEO RJ Scaringe said that operations in the area damaged by the Tornado would resume, and that ciritcal assembly lines, were unaffected. “While Building 2 has sustained damage and is closed for the time being as we complete our assessments, I am incredibly relieved to share that there were no injuries at our plant,” Scaringe said in his message.

The Tornado was significant, with tornadoes near the factory last week classified as EF1, with peak winds of up to 100 miles per hour. Despite the damage, production on the R2 has begun. Rivian says that the first vehicles rolling off the assembly line must undergo final quality and validation checks before they can be handed over to buyers. As of now, the automaker is aiming for later this spring.

Rivian is rolling out high-dollar versions of the R2 first, as it did with the R1T and R1S previously. First, R2 Performance models will be delivered to buyers. These are the top of the R2 pyramid, with 656 horsepower and around 330 miles of range, starting at $57,990. Then, Premium models will arive in "late 2026." These models feature simliar range, but with a more reasonable 450 horsepower and a simliarly reasonable $53,990 MSRP. Then, base models will arrive in 2027. These will have approximately 345 miles of range and 350 horsepower, but will do without Rivian's all-wheel drive system.