Inside Rivian R2 Development and Real World Testing

Rivian just shared a behind-the-scenes look at the R2’s first builds, and it’s clear this vehicle is designed for scale. The R2 is simpler by design, with subframes and suspension components that snap together quickly to speed up assembly. Engineers are fine-tuning every step now to avoid issues when full production starts.

These early R2s are already hitting the desert for intense testing. From deep sand and boulders to water troughs and gravel impacts, the goal is to push the vehicle past its limits and catch any weak points early.

While these pilot builds may not show the final design, they’re packed with the real hardware. Around 100 R2s will eventually be on the road gathering data before production ramps up.

R2 isn’t just a smaller Rivian, it’s a smarter, more efficient way forward.