Rivian’s new model, the R2, goes fast — zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds. Turns out, so does Rivian’s construction team. The electric automaker is starting 2026 with 2.6 million square feet of new space in Normal, where the R2 will be made. Construction took only 11 months — a staggering pace that required creative problem-solving, thousands of workers, and a $1.5 billion investment. The project — the size equivalent of building 14 Walmarts — even came in under budget.

Rivian&rsquo;s new model, the R2, goes fast &mdash; zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds. Turns out, so does Rivian&rsquo;s construction team.&nbsp;The electric automaker is starting 2026 with 2.6 million square feet of new space in Normal, where the R2 will be made. Construction took only 11 months &mdash; a staggering pace that required creative problem-solving, thousands of workers, and a $1.5 billion investment. The project &mdash; the size equivalent of building 14 Walmarts &mdash; even came in under budget.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

Sound Ideas is WGLT's signature local news series. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. New episodes air throughout the day on WGLT.

WGLT's Sound Ideas

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

WGLT's Sound Ideas is our flagship news program. Every weekday, WGLT reporters go beyond soundbites for deeper conversations with newsmakers, musicians, artists, and anyone with a story to share. This 30-minute newsmagazine is produced Monday through Friday. You can also subscribe to the Sound Ideas - Full Episodes podcast.

Rivian's first test R2s come off the line after fast-track expansion in Normal

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