RJ Scaringe posted fresh images of Rivian’s R2 validation builds

Another day, another exciting post from Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe sharing images of the upcoming R2 EV. This is the third R2 update from Rivian in as many days, as the American automaker’s second flagship model configuration inches closer to full-fledged production.

As we pointed out earlier this week, Rivian ($RIVN) continues to succeed by selling its first two flagship models—the R1S and R1T, which are now in the second generation. The automaker’s Q1 2025 report, posted yesterday, solidified that statement, detailing gross profits for a second consecutive quarter that have unlocked a $1 billion investment from joint venture partner Volkswagen Group.

Another interesting update from yesterday’s shareholder letter was progress on the Rivian R2 – a smaller, more affordable BEV that has already secured hundreds of thousands of pre-orders and could very well enable Rivian’s “Model 3 moment.”

Per Rivian, R2 validation builds are underway in Normal, Illinois, and are on track for scaled production next year. Just hours after the quarterly report went public, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe shared some images of the validation R2 builds on social media, offering our best look at its development progress yet.

R2 images look cool, but don’t get too excited about its wheels

The two Rivian R2 images above were posted by Scaringe on X yesterday evening with the following caption:

Validation builds for R2 are progressing on our pilot line!! Can’t wait for R2!!

The images join a picture of Rivian’s new Maximus drive unit, which will power the R2 BEVs, which Scaringe shared earlier this week. While drive units are exciting to hardcore BEV enthusiasts, especially when you think of the cost-per-unit savings the lighter and optimized assembly Maximus unit will offer, but most people want to see a physicaly BEV body to ogle. Scaringe delivered.

The images of the validation R2 builds showcase tremendous progress for Rivian as it looks to deliver a smaller and more affordable model to the masses. Judging by the number of reservations, those consumers are ready.

Most of the reactions to Scaringe’s post were excited. One user asked for more details about the R2’s all-black wheels seen in the image above, to which Scaringe responded that they are only for Rivian development vehicles, so don’t expect to see them in the Gear Shop—unless, perhaps, you keep spamming the CEO about it until they add them!

Less friendly comments pertained to the build quality of the R1T and R1S models currently rolling out of Rivian’s Normal facility, imploring RJ and his team to spend more time on quality control before deliveries. I’ll admit that my R1S came with a couple of early cosmetic and software hurdles, but it’s been smooth sailing since.

I’d also argue that Rivian is already assembling and delivering better quality builds than Tesla, which has been in the production game a lot longer. You don’t see many (or any?) Rivians with mismatched paint panels, but I digress.

Rivian will have plenty of time to get all the production bugs out in Normal as it continues progressing on its new 1.1 million-square-foot manufacturing expansion, which will be home to R2 production next year. For now, we will keep an eye on RJ’s accounts to see what exciting R2 images he and Rivian will share next. Stay tuned.