Electric vehicle startup Rivian Automotive plans to open a second manufacturing plant in the United States, a move that comes as other automotive companies accelerate the transition to battery-powered vehicles.
A Rivian spokeswoman said Thursday the company was in an early process of finding a location. Rivian already has a facility in Normal, Illinois, where it plans to begin production of its debut models this year.
Reuters had previously reported on the plans for the second factory in Rivian.
Rivian’s planned expansion further underscores the auto industry’s deepening commitment to electric vehicles, a technology whose adoption is being driven by stricter auto emissions regulations around the world and the popularity of Tesla Inc.
General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., and other major automakers are rushing to launch new plug-in models, and the Biden government is prioritizing policies to help consumers switch from gasoline cars.
