Amazon and Rivian launch custom electric van

13/10/2020

Amazon and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian have partnered to launch a new custom van.

Amazon has pledged to put 10,000 of the new electric vans on the road by 2022 and will boost this to 100,000 by 2030.

This is part of the online retail giant’s pledge for its delivery fleet to be net zero across its operations by 2040.

Ross Rachey, director of Amazon's Global Fleet and Products, said the new van combines Rivian’s electric vehicle technology with Amazon’s logistics knowledge, to create “the future of last mile delivery”.

Rachey said Amazon is currently working to advance and implement the charging infrastructure to help support its switch to EVs.

Prior to investing in Rivian, Amazon said it was unable to find electric options that met the needs of its drivers and delivery operations from other EV manufacturers.

Rachey said: "We hope our custom EV helps create a sense of urgency in the industry to think big about embracing sustainable technology and solutions—whether you're a package delivery company, a logistics company, an ice cream manufacturer, or almost anyone else with vehicles on the road.”

Amazon is already adding 1,800 electric delivery vehicles to its fleet in Europe this year and is also adding 10,000 electric delivery vehicles to its fleet in India, operating in over 20 cities by 2025.

In the EU, Amazon also uses e-cargo bikes for deliveries in some urban centers and operates 200 e-cargo bikes in the New York City area.

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