Rivian R2 Becomes Top-Selling Model Amid Georgia Plant Expansion

Rivian disclosed on Thursday that its R2 midsize SUV has become the company's highest-volume vehicle, overtaking the established R1 line in the third quarter. The performance marks a shift in the electric vehicle maker's product hierarchy as it prepares to scale production at a new manufacturing site in Georgia.

According to the company's earnings release, R2 sales reached 4,270 units in the quarter, compared to 3,070 R1 vehicles. This represents a 48 percent increase in R2 production over the same period in 2025. The company attributed the growth to improved manufacturing consistency and reduced supply chain risks for the new model.

RJ Scaringe, Rivian's founder and chief executive, cited strong market reception in a statement. "Customer and media feedback on R2 has been exceptional," Scaringe said. The company noted that the R2's lower price point and larger interior volume contributed to its appeal relative to the R1.

Construction is underway on a $5 billion factory complex in the Atlanta suburbs, specifically in the state of Georgia. The facility is located near the town of Marietta, approximately one hour east of the city center. The project involves the addition of a second factory building to the initial structure, which began construction in 2022.

The Georgia plant is designed to expand production of the R2 along with planned sister models designated R3 and R3X. Rivian stated that these future models depend on consumer demand justifying the increased output. The company expects the facility to reach full annual capacity of 200,000 vehicles once complete.

Financial results for the quarter showed revenue of $1.9 billion, a 22 percent decrease from the prior year. However, Rivian reported a $550 million profit, reversing a $2.2 billion loss in the same period of 2025. The company also secured $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy to fund the construction.

The next phase of the project includes the installation of production equipment and the hiring of local workers. Rivian has committed $1.7 billion to the local economy through the facility's development. The company plans to begin vehicle production at the new site in 2027.