Rivian promised that R2 deliveries to customers will start in the first half of 2026, and it appears on track to check this box. According to multiple sources, Rivian emailed employees about the R2 employee delivery program. Software guru Wassym Bensaid confirmed that the first cars will be delivered to employees this month, with regular customers to follow shortly.

Rivian has officially confirmed it would start deliveries to regular customers in the first half of the year, the second quarter, and this spring, and all three estimates overlap in May. This gives even more credibility to the rumors that a delivery event might be scheduled on May 4. What's important is that the R2 would significantly increase delivery numbers, and even more in the second half of the year.

Rivian just reported 10,365 vehicles delivered in the first quarter, surpassing Wall Street estimates. The EV startup reiterated its full-year delivery forecast of 62,000 to 67,000 vehicles. This suggests it expects to deliver only about 20,000-25,000 R2 crossovers in 2026. However, the number will likely be higher, considering that interest in the R1 vehicles will undoubtedly drop once the becomes available.

As I predicted a while back, the current geopolitical and economic situation represents a significant boost for EV adoption. Gas prices have gone through the roof, with a national average of $4.10 at the time of writing, though parts of California are above $6 per gallon. This will do wonders in convincing people to consider an EV purchase at a time when legacy carmakers have just wound down their EV plans.  like Rivian will happily ride this wave.