Rivian's Factory Damaged by Tornado Amid Crucial R2 EV Launch

Rivian’s R2 Plant Was Struck by a Tornado, Just Weeks Before Crucial Launch

The building where the company is producing its new R2 mid-size SUV sustained some damage this weekend.

Rivian's factory damaged by tornado amid crucial R2 EV launch

Rivian's factory hit by tornado ahead of R2 launch

Nobody was hurt after an EF-1 tornado hit the part of the factory where the R2 SUV is supposed to be built.

Rivian to Restart R2 Operations ‘This Week’ After Tornado Hit EV Plant

Rivian confirmed it paused operations at Building 2 — where the R2 SUV is produced — after a severe storm damaged the facility on Friday night. In an e-mail sent to staff on Sunday night — and first reported by TechCrunch on Monday — the company directly addressed the matter. The EV maker said no one was injured at its Normal, Illinois, plant and expects to resume R2 operations in the building “this week.” The tornado hit a newer section of the …