A fire late Saturday night damaged more than 50 R1S and R1T models in the parking lot of Rivian’s electric vehicle factory in Normal, Illinois. The vehicles were reportedly awaiting shipment to customers when the fire broke out.
The Normal Fire Department received the call just before 9:45 p.m., according to spokesperson Matt Swaney, who confirmed that the factory itself, which produces all of Rivian’s current models and is preparing to manufacture the upcoming R2 SUV, was not impacted by the blaze. The fire was extinguished by midnight, though fire crews remained on the scene to monitor the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The fire, which affected 57 vehicles parked near the factory’s industrial train rails, is currently under investigation to determine its cause. The damaged vehicles included only R1S and R1T models, with no other cars involved.
This incident follows a fire last month in which three Rivian Amazon Electric Delivery Vans (EDVs) ignited at an Amazon fulfillment center in Houston, Texas. Rivian confirmed that the Houston fire was unrelated to the high-voltage battery.
While electric vehicle (EV) fires are statistically less common than combustion vehicle fires, they pose unique challenges. EV fires can be more dangerous and harder to extinguish, often requiring specialized equipment. Additionally, there is a risk of reignition after the fire has been put out, which is why fire crews often stay on-site for extended periods following an EV fire.
