Rivian’s R2 overtakes R1 as top seller ahead of Georgia plant launch

Rivian reported on Thursday that its R2 midsize SUV became its best selling model by volume during the third quarter of 2026. The electric vehicle maker disclosed this shift in its latest earnings release, marking the first time the new model has outperformed its existing lineup.

The R2 surpassed the R1, which had held the top spot since 2021. In the third quarter, the R1 accounted for 48.5% of total deliveries, while the R2 captured the remainder of the volume lead. This change in ranking occurred as the company prepared for expanded manufacturing operations in the state of Georgia.

Rivian plans to produce the R2, along with the upcoming R3 and R3X models, at its $5 billion factory in Vansant. The site is located approximately one hour east of Atlanta in the county of Vansant. Company executives stated that the plant will focus on increasing output to meet consumer demand for these new vehicle lines.

Construction at the Vansant facility began in August 2024. The project is currently receiving a $1.5 billion state incentive and a $750 million federal tax credit. Rivian secured an additional $540 million in financing from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the buildout.

Chief Financial Officer Claire McDaniel noted that the company faced supply chain risks due to increased input costs. She explained that these factors included complex commodities and raw material prices. Despite these challenges, the firm maintained its production schedule for the quarter.

Rivian’s total vehicle deliveries for the third quarter reached 76,700 units. This figure represents a 22% increase from the second quarter. Revenue for the period was $1.93 billion, which was a 33% rise from the previous quarter. The company also reported a net loss of $2.2 billion, a decrease from the $3.1 billion loss in the second quarter.

CEO RJ Scaringe praised the market response to the new model. He said customer and media feedback on the R2 has been exceptional. Scaringe indicated that the early success supports the company's strategy to expand production capacity at the Georgia site.

The Vansant plant is designed to produce 150,000 vehicles annually at full capacity. Rivian expects to begin production there by 2027. The company aims to create thousands of jobs in the region, with the facility serving as a major economic anchor in the state.