Rivian gets major incentive package from the state of Illinois

The electric car manufacturer Rivian received an incentive package totalling $827 million from the US state of Illinois to expand its plant in Normal. In addition to the R1S and R1T, it will also produce the new R2 there. In return, Rivian will put the construction of a new plant in Georgia on hold.

The money comes from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. This will allow the company to expand its plant in Normal, Illinois. The funds from the incentive package will go towards plant expansion, public infrastructure improvements and training programmes for Rivian’s workforce in preparation for production of the R2 mid-size SUV, which was unveiled in March.

“We are grateful for this investment from the State of Illinois and for the leadership of Governor Pritzker, President Harmon, and Speaker Welch,” said Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. “The support from the state will allow us to quickly bring our midsize SUV, R2, to market and provide even greater consumer choice for EVs. Governor Pritzker has always been a strong advocate for providing economic opportunities for Illinois residents and business owners alike. We look forward to continuing our close partnership and building upon the success we have enjoyed.”

In March, Rivian announced that production of the R2, the highly anticipated mid-size SUV, would take place at the production facility in Normal, Illinois. The model is due to be launched in 2026. Plans for a new plant in Georgia have been cancelled. Rivian has invested more than two billion dollars in Normal to date. Since the start of production in 2021, over 100,000 electric vehicles have been manufactured at the Rivian plant in Normal.

rivian.com