Rivian Plans to Build Next-Gen EV With Advanced Production Technology
Rivian's new R2 will be produced on an advanced assembly line in Normal, IL. Photo courtesy Rivian Automotive Inc.
NORMAL, IL—Rivian Automotive Inc. is currently producing “manufacturing validation builds” of its much-anticipated R2 at its flagship factory here. When volume ramps up in a few months, the mid-sized electric sport utility vehicle will have a 300-mile range and is expended to be priced under $50,000.
The automaker claims that “our vehicle and our manufacturing lines were literally made for each other. We focused on a design that is inherently easier to put together. We reduced the number of parts and streamlined the assembly process.”
According to the company, having fewer parts will make the R2 “more efficient to build and service.” Rivian engineers eliminated more than two miles of wire by simplifying the vehicle’s electrical and electronic architecture.
They also reduced part complexity through the use of gigacasting technology. This enabled them to eliminate thousands of welds and fasteners, while reducing overall mass by about 2,000 pounds compared to the R1.
Rivian says it has built “a technologically advanced production line that runs on smart and connected digital systems. Our line is designed with advanced robotics, including a fully automated ‘hang-on’ line in the body shop for precise gap and flush alignment, and an AI-powered robot system that scans and places parts on the line without any manual handling.
“Lineside wireless diagnostics identify and correct build issues in real time, preventing faults from moving forward. We have also integrated advanced vision robots for precision quality checks throughout the line to be sure each and every vehicle meets our rigorous standards.”
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