Rivian Automotive announced today it has received an $827M incentive package from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, which will allow the company to expand operations at its plant in Normal, IL.
The funds from the incentive package will go towards expansion of the plant, improvements in public infrastructure and job training programs for Rivian’s workforce, leading up to the company’s production of its midsized SUV, R2. Rivian will be participating in several city improvement projects to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to investing in the Illinois economy and community.
“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." said RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO.
Rivian R2 was introduced earlier this year and follows in the footsteps of the R1S. It will ride on an all-new platform and be offered with two different battery packs including one that delivers more than 300 miles (483 km) of range. Rivian has also said we can expect single-, dual-, and tri-motor configurations as well as a starting price of around $45,000.
The existing plant in Normal will continue to produce R1S, R1T, and commercial electric delivery vehicles, and updates to the facility will begin in the coming months.
The automaker has built more than 100,000 vehicles at the plant and has invested more than $2 (£1.6 / €1.9) billion into the facility. The company also claims to have “generated a value add of over $3.9 (£3.1 / €3.6) billion to the local economy, which has brought increased development to the area.”
Source: Rivian