Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) startup, is expanding beyond its partnership with Amazon to offer its electric van to other buyers. Back in 2019, Rivian gained attention when it secured an order for 100,000 electric delivery vans from Amazon, providing the company with a substantial source of income. The deal with Amazon will continue until 2030, and Rivian has already delivered around 10,000 of the Amazon Electric Delivery Vans (EDVs).
Now, Rivian has announced that it will make its electric van, called the Rivian Commercial Van, available to other customers. While the new van will be built on the same platform as the Amazon EDV, it appears that there will be some adaptations to suit different applications beyond delivery. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized that Amazon remains a key partner for the company, and they look forward to continuing their close collaboration.
The Rivian Commercial Van is designed to be one of the safest and most technologically advanced vehicles on the road. It boasts features such as automatic emergency braking, sophisticated driver assistance features, airbags, and a 360-degree camera system. The van’s ergonomic design prioritizes efficiency and includes features like a sliding curb-side door, a rear roll-up door, an automated bulkhead door, a heated and cooled driver’s seat, and a heated steering wheel. The smaller van size is ideal for urban settings and has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 9,350 lb, a payload of 2,734 lb, and a 157.5-inch wheelbase.
One notable aspect of the Rivian Commercial Van is its in-house software stack that controls various vehicle functions. It allows for easy access to fleet information, including real-time data and remote commands, enhancing fleet management, reducing costs, and increasing safety and productivity.
To maximize environmental impact, Rivian plans to prioritize larger fleet requests initially and will commence small-scale deployments in 2024 before scaling up deliveries in 2025. Companies with fleets of any size that are interested in the Rivian Commercial Van are encouraged to visit the Fleet page of Rivian’s website for more information.
Rivian’s decision to offer its electric van beyond its partnership with Amazon demonstrates the company’s confidence in its product and its commitment to expanding its customer base. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Rivian is poised to make a significant impact in the commercial vehicle market with its technologically advanced and environmentally friendly offerings.
