Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe continues to generate excitement with his latest social media post showcasing images of the upcoming R2 EV. The R2, Rivian’s second flagship model configuration, is steadily progressing towards full-fledged production, with validation builds currently underway in Normal, Illinois.
This recent update comes hot on the heels of Rivian’s successful sales of its first two flagship models, the R1S and R1T, which are now in their second generation. The automaker’s Q1 2025 report, released yesterday, highlighted impressive gross profits for a second consecutive quarter, leading to a $1 billion investment from joint venture partner Volkswagen Group.
Of particular interest in yesterday’s shareholder letter was the update on the Rivian R2. This smaller, more affordable BEV has already garnered hundreds of thousands of pre-orders and has the potential to be Rivian’s “Model 3 moment.” Production of the R2 is on track for next year, with validation builds currently in progress in Normal, Illinois.
RJ Scaringe took to social media shortly after the quarterly report’s release to share images of the validation R2 builds. These images offer a closer look at the development progress of the R2 and provide enthusiasts with a glimpse of what’s to come.
While the images of the R2 builds are undoubtedly exciting, it’s worth noting that the all-black wheels seen in the pictures are only for Rivian development vehicles and may not be available in the Gear Shop. Scaringe clarified this in response to a user’s query, emphasizing that these wheels are specific to the validation builds.
Feedback on Scaringe’s post has been largely positive, with many expressing enthusiasm for the R2’s progress. Some comments touched on the build quality of Rivian’s current models, urging the company to focus on quality control before deliveries. Despite some early hurdles, Rivian’s build quality is already considered superior to that of more established automakers like Tesla.
As Rivian continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities in preparation for R2 production next year, fans can expect more updates and images from RJ Scaringe and the Rivian team. The anticipation for the R2’s release continues to grow, and enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting more details on this highly anticipated electric vehicle. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Rivian as they pave the way for a more sustainable automotive future.
