[DigitalToday reporter Hyunwoo Choo] U.S. electric vehicle maker Rivian increased the initial annual production capacity planned for its Georgia plant to as many as 300,000 vehicles from 200,000. Electrek, an electric vehicle outlet, reported on April 30 local time that Rivian raised capacity by 50 percent as it changed the plant design to align with production of a new midsize platform.

Rivian said the revised design improves cost efficiency while leaving room for future expansion. It adjusted a loan of up to $4.5 billion in consultations with the U.S. Department of Energy to match the new facility design.

The Georgia plant is set to begin work on key structures this spring. Rivian maintained its goal to first draw down the loan funds in early 2027 and to start vehicle production in late 2028. Preparation is also under way for the press area, one of the more costly processes, and it plans to accelerate construction starting this summer.

The expansion is linked to ramping up R2 production. Rivian recently partnered with Uber to produce up to 50,000 robotaxis at the Georgia plant starting in late 2028. RJ Scaringe (RJ 스캐린지) said the R2 will significantly broaden market opportunities and that thousands of workers who can work at the Georgia plant will play a key role in expanding manufacturing in the United States.

Rivian began producing saleable R2 models after completing an expansion of 1.1 million square feet at its Normal plant in Illinois last week. The Normal plant produced 10,236 vehicles and delivered 10,365 in the first quarter this year. Its full-year delivery target is 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles.