A fire broke out late Saturday in a parking lot at Rivian Automotive’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, damaging numerous electric vehicles. The blaze occurred on the north side of the four-million-square-foot factory, located 130 miles (209 km) south of Chicago.
According to the Normal Fire Department, the assembly plant itself was not affected. A company spokesperson stated that there were no reported injuries and that the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Rivian has not disclosed the specific number or type of vehicles damaged. The company, known for its R1S SUVs and R1T pickups, is currently expanding the Normal plant to produce its upcoming R2 SUVs, which are anticipated to launch in 2026 and are considered crucial for its success.
Earlier this year, Rivian shut down the plant for three weeks for significant retooling to streamline manufacturing and reduce costs.
The company produces all its vehicles at this facility and plans to open a second assembly plant in Georgia. Last week, Rivian also temporarily halted production of its commercial delivery vans used by Amazon due to a parts shortage but expects to make up for the lost production.
Peoplesmind