Rivian has started internal deliveries of its upcoming R2 model, marking a shift from development to real-world deployment. Software chief Wassym Bensaid said in a statement that employee handovers will begin this month.
The company is using its workforce as early adopters, allowing it to monitor the vehicle’s performance outside controlled testing environments. These are paid deliveries of production-spec vehicles, not prototypes.
Rivian previously followed a similar phased rollout with the R1T and R1S. By prioritizing employees, the company gathers early feedback on software performance and overall user experience before expanding to a broader customer base.
Initial production volumes remain limited as manufacturing ramps up. Reports indicate that approximately 1,600 employees may receive R2 units during this phase, providing enough scale to identify potential issues while maintaining operational control.
Customer deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2026, with indications pointing to a possible May launch. Rivian has previously suggested a potential tie-in with May 4.
The rollout comes as Rivian reported 10,365 deliveries in the first quarter and aims to reach up to 67,000 units for the year. The R2 is expected to play a significant role in meeting that target, with early projections estimating between 20,000 and 25,000 units in 2026.
The R2 is positioned as Rivian’s most accessible vehicle to date, and its performance during the employee rollout is expected to influence the pace of broader customer deliveries.
