Rivian is simplifying its lineup just as it prepares for one of the most significant product launches in its history. The company has officially confirmed that the "Dual Standard" configuration is being pulled from the R1 lineup, effectively raising the entry price for both its electric pickup and SUV.
According to a report from RivianTrackr, this move marks the end of the road for the $72,990 R1T Dual Standard and the $76,990 R1S Dual Standard trims. These base models utilized an LFP battery pack that has recently faced calibration issues, which may have contributed to the decision to retire the configuration.
The New R1 Price Floor
With the Dual Standard trims gone, the starting prices for the R1 series have seen a notable jump. The new entry points for the lineup are as follows:
R1T Dual: $79,990
R1S Dual: $83,990
To clear out remaining inventory, Rivian is offering a final lease deal on 2026 R1 Dual Standard units starting at $749 per month for 36 months, with an additional $3,000 off the lease. However, the clock is ticking, as leases must be approved by March 19 and vehicles delivered by March 31. This move creates a much clearer "premium" gap between the R1 series and the upcoming, more affordable R2.
The Upcoming R2 Unveil
The primary catalyst for this lineup shift is likely the R2 midsize SUV, which is set to be unveiled this Thursday, March 12. The R2 is a critical project for Rivian, as the company is banking on the new platform and its autonomy stack to reach profitability by the end of 2026.
Rivian Wave
Rivian is targeting a starting price of roughly $45,000 for the single-motor base model. While that entry-level trim won't be the first to arrive, the pricier dual-motor, all-wheel drive R2 Launch Edition is expected to be a performance beast. That version will reportedly feature an 87.4 kWh battery, 656 horsepower, and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds.
The R2 also brings several clever utility features to the table, including front seats that fold totally flat for car camping and a rear window that rolls completely down into the tailgate. It will also feature a native NACS charging port, allowing it to use Tesla's Supercharger network from the first mile.
Volume production for the R2 is expected to begin in Illinois in mid-2026. By removing the cheapest R1 trims now, Rivian ensures that its older, more expensive models don't step on the value proposition of the R2. If you want to see the new SUV in action, make sure to check out our guide on how to watch the R2 launch event.
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Rivian has reached a massive milestone in its journey toward becoming a mainstream automaker. Despite significant storm damage that recently impacted its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, the company has officially kicked off production of its highly anticipated R2 midsize SUV.
The news was confirmed by CEO RJ Scaringe during an interview with Bloomberg Tech on Wednesday. A video of the very first customer unit rolling off the assembly line has already surfaced online, giving reservation holders their first real look at the mass-production version of the vehicle.
The first wave of vehicles leaving the factory consists of the top-of-the-line Performance variant. Priced at $57,990, the R2 Performance is a dual-motor AWD beast that packs 656 hp and can sprint from 0–60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. It features a semi-active suspension and Rivian’s signature "Drop Glass" rear window, which rolls completely into the liftgate to make hauling long items like surfboards a breeze.
Rivian Wave
Rivian estimates this Performance trim will offer an EPA range of around 330 miles per charge. Reservation holders who secure their spot in the first wave of orders will also receive an exclusive "Launch Package." The first deliveries are slated to begin in late Spring 2026, although it remains to be seen if the recent storm damage will cause a slight delay in the final handover to customers. Until now, Rivian had only been producing a small number of R2 units for executives and internal testing, so the start of mass production at this point is a good sign.
Ramping Up for a Busy 2027
The production start comes at a perfect time for Rivian, which is riding a wave of momentum after beating its Q1 delivery estimates. Following the Performance Launch Package, Rivian plans to debut a Premium trim later this year. The more affordable options — the Standard Long Range and the "mythical" $45,000 Standard trim — are expected to follow in 2027.
To ensure this ramp goes smoothly, Rivian CFO Claire McDonough recently noted that the company will start inviting customers to configure their vehicles in June. This window will give the company much better visibility into actual demand, with Rivian’s guidance targeting 22,000-23,000 R2 deliveries this year. For those who want to see the car in person before committing, Rivian is currently hosting Block Party viewing events across the U.S. as production continues to accelerate.
The Path to Profitability
The R2 is more than just a new car for Rivian; it is the foundation of the company’s plan to reach profitability by the end of 2026. By utilizing simplified manufacturing techniques — like a suspension system that costs 72% less to build than the one in the R1 — Rivian expects the R2 to cost less than half of what its predecessor did to manufacture.
This production start is a load-bearing moment for Rivian’s next few years. It ties directly into the company’s new Autonomy+ software package and its major investment deal with Uber for R2 robotaxis. While there are still hurdles to overcome with the factory repairs and supplier logistics, seeing the first customer R2s move down the line is a huge win for the Illinois team.
Rivian’s momentum toward its most important launch ever has hit a major roadblock. Just as the company was ramping up production for the highly anticipated R2 midsize SUV, a severe storm system tore through Normal, Illinois, leaving significant damage at the manufacturing facility.
The news first broke on Reddit, where images appeared to show a caved-in roof at "Building 2" — the specific area of the plant dedicated to the R2 line. While the Midwest is no stranger to spring storms, the timing for Rivian couldn't be worse, as the facility was winding up for mass-market deliveries.
The R2 Launch Timeline at Risk
The R2 is fundamentally the "make or break" vehicle for Rivian. Before the storm hit, the company was on track to begin deliveries of the Performance Launch Package later this spring. Following that, a Premium trim was slated for late 2026, with the Standard Long Range and the "mythical" $45,000 Standard variant expected to follow in 2027.
This setback is especially painful because Rivian had recently beaten its Q1 delivery estimates, showing real operational strength. Now, however, it remains unknown exactly how much damage the storm caused or how it will shift the production calendar. Even if Rivian can shuffle its assembly processes to spare spaces elsewhere in the massive Normal facility, a caved-in roof suggests structural and equipment issues that can’t be fixed overnight.
Assessing the Potential Damage
While we wait for an official "all clear" from Rivian, the physical risks to a high-tech factory after a roof collapse are numerous. Beyond the obvious structural integrity questions, there is the threat of water damage to sensitive robotics and the risk of exposed electrical or gas lines.
Reddit: /u/QuickChicken2000
For a line that relies on advanced specifications and precise tuning, any moisture in the machinery can lead to long-term reliability problems if not addressed perfectly. It is a waiting game now to see if the Performance units scheduled for this spring will actually make it to customers' driveways on time.
A Momentary Pause in Progress
Rivian has proven itself to be resilient in the past, but the R2 is a high-volume play that requires every part of the factory to work in lockstep. This storm has introduced a new layer of execution risk just as the company was entering its most critical growth phase.
Whether this is a minor speed bump or a major delay will depend on what the inspectors find once they can safely enter Building 2. For the thousands of reservation holders waiting for their R2, all eyes are now on Normal, Illinois, as the company works to get its "Future of Adventure" back on the assembly line.
