Rivian is moving forward with its long-delayed $5 billion Georgia electric vehicle plant, with construction scheduled to restart in 2026.

The EV maker announced it will host two events next month to celebrate progress on the project. A community event will be held on Sept. 14, followed by a formal kickoff ceremony on Sept. 16 “in celebration of our strong partnership with Georgia and the planned resumption of construction in 2026,” a Rivian spokesperson said in an email to Automotive Dive.

The kickoff event will include state and local stakeholders, as well as Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

Located near Social Circle, Georgia, the plant is expected to begin production in 2028 with an annual capacity of about 200,000 vehicles.

Project Delays and Restart

The Georgia facility has faced several hurdles since it was first announced. In March 2024, Rivian paused construction in order to cut costs, opting instead to build its upcoming R2 SUV at its existing plant in Normal, Illinois. The move allowed Rivian to bring its new model to market more quickly while deferring the large capital investment in Georgia.

Momentum returned to the project in January 2025, when Rivian secured final approval for a $6.6 billion loan from the Department of Energy. However, the company cannot access those funds until construction formally resumes, with the financing available through September 2028.

Rivian’s Commitment to Georgia

Alongside the factory project, Rivian is deepening its investment in the state. In July, the company announced plans for a new East Coast headquarters in Atlanta. The office will initially employ 100 people and eventually expand to 500 workers, providing operational support for the company’s growing regional footprint.

When fully realized, the Georgia plant will be Rivian’s largest manufacturing hub, cementing the automaker’s long-term presence in the Southeast and advancing Georgia’s role as a hub for electric vehicle production and clean energy jobs.

Originally reported by Larry Avila in Construction Dive.