Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is gearing up to commence construction on its highly anticipated second U.S. production facility in Georgia. The $5 billion EV factory, situated east of Atlanta, spans a sprawling 2,000-acre site across Walton and Morgan counties. This development is poised to become one of the most substantial economic ventures in Georgia’s history, with plans in place for the construction of 20 million square feet of space.
The new facility will act as Rivian’s primary hub for vehicle production and innovation, housing essential amenities such as a test track, training center, and research and design facilities. By the time the plant reaches full operational capacity in 2028, it is estimated to churn out up to 200,000 electric vehicles annually. Among the vehicles slated for production at the Georgia site are Rivian’s forthcoming R2 SUV, along with the more compact R3 and R3X models, designed to introduce more affordable EV options into the company’s lineup.
While Rivian has already initiated expansions at its existing Illinois factory to accommodate initial R2 production, the Georgia plant is poised to take over as the primary assembly site for Rivian’s next-generation vehicles in the near future. The new facility is anticipated to generate approximately 7,500 job opportunities once it becomes fully operational.
In anticipation of the groundbreaking event, Rivian recently hosted a community gathering at the site, featuring food, live music, vehicle displays, and family-friendly activities. This event provided an opportunity for residents and employees to commemorate the milestone achieved by the company. A formal groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, with Rivian executives, state officials, and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expected to be in attendance.
The journey towards the realization of the Georgia plant has been in progress for over four years, with Rivian initially announcing plans for the facility in December 2021. Despite encountering delays and setbacks along the way, Rivian remains steadfast in its commitment to the state of Georgia and the U.S. EV sector.
To facilitate the construction of the facility, Rivian secured a $6.6 billion federal loan earlier this year, in addition to a $1.5 billion incentive package from the state of Georgia. These financial measures underscore the significance of the project for both Rivian and the regional economy. Vertical construction is slated to commence in 2026, with the first batch of customer-ready vehicles expected to roll out of the plant by 2028. This endeavor marks a pivotal moment in Rivian’s growth trajectory and underscores the company’s dedication to driving innovation within the electric vehicle industry.