How Rivian is Strengthening American Manufacturing
When people see a Rivian on the road, many mistakenly assume it’s a foreign-made vehicle. However, Rivian is an American-born, designed, programmed, and assembled electric vehicle brand. Founded in 2009 by RJ Scaringe, the company has headquarters in Irvine, California, but its manufacturing strength comes from its Normal, Illinois plant.
The R1T (pickup truck) and R1S (SUV), as well as the Amazon electric delivery vans, are all assembled in the U.S. The company is expanding further with a new facility in Georgia, reinforcing its commitment to American production. While some parts and materials are globally sourced, Rivian’s design, engineering, and final assembly all take place on U.S. soil.
Built in the USA: Manufacturing in Illinois and Expanding to Georgia
Rivian’s first production facility is located in Normal, Illinois—a factory once owned by Mitsubishi that Rivian repurposed into a state-of-the-art EV assembly plant. This facility has been the heart of Rivian’s manufacturing, churning out thousands of R1T, R1S, and electric delivery vans for Amazon.
However, Rivian isn’t stopping there. The company has plans to build a second U.S. plant in Stanton Springs North, Georgia. This new facility will significantly increase Rivian’s production capacity, allowing it to build the highly anticipated R2 and R3 models—smaller, more affordable electric SUVs aimed at mainstream consumers.
The decision to expand in Georgia aligns with Rivian’s strategy to:
Increase domestic EV production capacity
Create thousands of new American jobs
Strengthen the U.S. supply chain for EVs
Make EVs more accessible and affordable
This expansion marks a significant milestone in Rivian’s mission to electrify adventure while keeping American manufacturing strong.
$6.6 Billion Investment: Rivian’s New Georgia Plant and Its Impact
In January 2025, Rivian secured a $6.6 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to help fund its new manufacturing plant in Georgia. The first phase of production is set to begin in 2028, with an initial capacity of 200,000 vehicles per year. A second phase will eventually double this output.
Creating American Jobs: 7,500 New Positions by 2030
Rivian’s new Georgia facility isn’t just about increasing production—it’s about creating thousands of American jobs. By 2030, the company estimates that this expansion will generate:
7,500 permanent operational jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and logistics
2,000 construction jobs to build the facility
These numbers represent real opportunities for American workers. The new jobs will help stimulate local economies and provide career paths in automotive technology, battery production, and sustainable manufacturing.
For those looking to enter the automotive or clean energy industry, Rivian’s expansion means more career opportunities, better job security, and a stronger future for American workers.
The Misconception That Rivian Models Are Made Overseas
Despite being designed and assembled in the U.S., many people mistakenly believe Rivian is a foreign brand. This misconception echoes what Tesla faced in its early years when many assumed it was a European or Chinese automaker.
So why do some still think Rivians are foreign-made?
Newness – Unlike legacy brands like Ford and GM, Rivian is a relatively young company, founded in 2009 and only starting deliveries in 2021. Many people are just now becoming familiar with the brand.
Association with EVs and Foreign Manufacturing – A significant portion of global EV production happens in China, leading some to assume that all EVs, including Rivians, must be made overseas.
As more Rivians hit the road and public awareness grows, this misconception will fade—just like it did for Tesla. Rivian is designed and assembled in the U.S.
Rivian’s State-of-the-Art Assembly Process
Rivian isn’t just assembling vehicles in the U.S.—it is pushing the boundaries of American manufacturing with some of the most advanced production techniques in the industry.
At its Normal, Illinois, factory, Rivian’s assembly process is fully optimized for efficiency, sustainability, and precision.
Stamping & Body Shop: Rivian stamps its own aluminum panels in-house, ensuring structural integrity and reducing reliance on third-party suppliers. Its body shop features massive robotic arms that handle the heavy lifting with extreme precision.
State-of-the-Art Paint Shop: Rivian uses a high-tech, canister-based paint system that allows color changes without purging the system. This reduces waste, making the process more efficient.
Battery & Propulsion Assembly: Each Rivian battery pack consists of 7,776 cylindrical cells, which are assembled and tested in-house. Rivian also builds its quad-motor drive units, giving each wheel its own dedicated motor for superior off-road performance.
Final Assembly & Quality Control: Vehicles undergo a rigorous end-of-line testing process, including:
Wheel alignment and sensor calibration
Dynamometer testing to simulate real-world driving conditions
Water tests
Rivian’s Growing Lineup: Meet the R1T, R1S, R2, and R3
Rivian started with premium adventure vehicles but is now expanding into more affordable models that will bring its high-performance EVs to a broader audience.
R1T – The All-Electric Adventure Pickup
Up to 1,198 lb-ft torque (Quad-Motor)
0-60 mph in as low as 2.5 seconds
Towing capacity: 11,000 lbs
Range: 420 miles
As the first electric pickup truck on the market, the R1T set the standard for performance, durability, and off-road capability. It features a unique Gear Tunnel, innovative storage solutions, and a wading depth of over three feet.
R1S – The Rugged 7-Passenger SUV
Up to 1,198 lb-ft torque (Quad-Motor)
Three rows of seating
0-60 mph in as low as 2.6 seconds
Range: 410 miles
The R1S takes Rivian’s off-road capabilities and packages them in an adventure-ready, family-friendly SUV.
R2 – The Next-Gen Mid-Size SUV (Coming 2026)
Smaller, more affordable alternative to the R1S
Expected starting price: around $45,000
The R2 is designed for those who love Rivian’s adventure DNA but want a more compact, city-friendly SUV at a lower price point. Production will start in Rivian’s new Georgia factory in 2026.
R3 – The Affordable Compact EV (Coming Soon)
Rivian’s smallest and most affordable model
Designed to compete with the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E
Available in an off-road-focused “R3X” variant
The R3 will take Rivian into the mainstream EV market at a price point that appeals to more buyers.
With Rivian’s growing lineup, American EV buyers now have more options than ever—from adventure vehicles to more affordable, everyday EVs.
Register Your Rivian in Montana with LLCTLC
At LLCTLC, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses take advantage of Montana’s tax-friendly vehicle registration laws. By registering your Rivian through an LLC in Montana, you can legally avoid sales tax, potentially saving thousands of dollars on your electric vehicle purchase.
Our team handles everything from LLC formation to registration and compliance, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
Drive your Rivian tax-free—contact LLCTLC today!