Rivian has begun clearing and grading land for its $5 billion factory near Atlanta, Georgia. This significant step follows several previous delays. The new plant will eventually assemble up to 400,000 electric vehicles annually, according to TechCrunch.
Rivian hosted a groundbreaking ceremony with CEO RJ Scaringe and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Construction crews are installing utilities and building access roads. Major construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with vehicle assembly expected to begin in 2028.
Rivian states that the plant will create 7,500 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction roles, with local suppliers potentially adding 8,000 positions. To date, Rivian has invested about $80 million in the project and initially hired 47 full-time staff for the site in 2021. The company encountered opposition and pandemic-related setbacks, temporarily refocusing on its Illinois plant. Progress accelerated after Rivian secured a $6.6 billion loan commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy in late 2024.
Upon completion, Rivian expects the Georgia plant to manufacture its next-generation, more affordable vehicles for global customers.
