This Is Amazon’s Rivian-Made Electric Delivery Van That Will Hit U.S. Roads In 2021

Amazon has revealed its first custom electric delivery vehicle designed and built in partnership with EV startup Rivian.

This is one of three different models that Amazon has invested in and completely customized with Rivian to improve the driver experience and optimize safety. Amazon ordered a total of 100,000 vehicles from Rivian by 2030, and the first 10,000 of them will be on the road as early as 2022.

Developed to “far surpass any other delivery vehicle”, Amazon’s electric van is packed with safety, navigation and design features. From a safety perspective, highlights include state-of-the-art sensor detection, highway and traffic assist technology, and a 360-degree exterior camera system.

In addition, the electric delivery vehicle has a large windshield for enhanced driver visibility, a strengthened door on the driver’s side for additional protection, and bright taillights surrounding the rear of the vehicle to make braking easily noticeable to drivers following from behind.

The driver’s cabin benefits from Alexa integration for hands-free access to route information and the latest weather updates, as well as a flat floor for easy movement. The driver can access the cargo area through a bulkhead door which can easily be opened and closed for additional driver protection while on the road. The rear compartment features three levels of shelving for the parcels.

“We combined Rivian’s technology with our delivery logistics knowledge, and the result is what you see here-the future of last mile delivery,” said Ross Rachey, Director of Amazon’s Global Fleet and Products. The exec added that the company is now working to advance and implement the technology that will support the vans, from the physical charging infrastructure to enhancements and optimization of Amazon’s delivery stations.

“The vehicle we’ve developed with Amazon is not just electric. We prioritized safety and functionality to create a vehicle that’s optimized for package delivery,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO. “We thought through how drivers get in and out of the van, what the work space feels like and what the work flow is for delivering packages.”

Amazon says that before investing in Rivian, it was unable to find electric options that met the needs of its drivers and delivery operations. The partnership helped the e-commerce giant accelerate the path to an electric delivery vehicle that fit its needs. According to Rachey, the two companies invented a solution that “will reset industry expectations for electric delivery vehicle capabilities.”

Amazon’s new electric delivery van will debut on U.S. roads next year.