Amazon has placed an order for 1 Lakh electric delivery vehicles with Rivian. All Rivian EV vans are expected to be in service by 2030. The vans are expected to come with a customized body specifically requested by Amazon.
Earlier in the year, the e-commerce giant has invested $440 million investment in an EV start-up. In February 2019, Amazon led a $700 million investment round in Rivian. According to the online retailer, this massive order is the largest ever made in electric delivery vehicles.
Rivian and Ford to Develop Future EVs
Rivian has also attracted investments from other leading firms as well, including Ford, with which it is working to develop future electric vehicles.
Amazon plans to have 10,000 on the road by 2022 and a full fleet of 1,00,000 EVs operational by 2030.
The order comes after an announcement of the Climate Pledge by Amazon, calling on signatories to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040, which is 10 years ahead of the target set by the Paris Accord. Amazon said that its order with Rivian would “accelerate the production of electric vehicles critical to reducing emissions from transportation.”
Van Specifications
Amazon still not revealed the detailed technical specifications of the van. However, preview images released by Amazon show that it badged with the Amazon Prime delivery service, and ‘powered by Rivian’ on the side sill.
4×4 SUV
Last year, Rivian showcased the R1 SUV and R1T pick-up at last year’s Los Angeles motor show. With its ambitious launches, the fast rising EV manufacturer aims to produce a range of go-anywhere 4×4 EVs built on its own platform.
Amazon’s investment is a huge push to Rivian as it gears up to start production at its plant in Illinois. It is a facility previously used by Mitsubishi. The plant has a manufacturing capacity to produce 3,50,000 units per year.
By 2025, Rivian’s initial goal is to sell 50,000-60,000 units of its premium electric off-roaders per year.
There is no indication where the vans will be deployed, although initially, they will be focused on major cities in the USA.
Demand from Automobili Pininfarina
Additionally, Indian-based automotive giant, Mahindra-owned Automobili Pininfarina has confirmed that it will use Rivian’s skateboard platform to underpin for the former’s range of electric vehicles. They may start with a Lamborghini Urus-rivalling performance SUV.
