Amazon has begun testing Rivian’s new electric vans on delivery routes in Los Angeles. Amazon says electric delivery vehicles will cruise neighborhoods in up to 15 additional U.S. cities in 2021, ahead of tens of thousands of vehicles hitting the road over the next few years.
The company partnered with Rivian, leveraging its customisable skateboard platform to create an all-electric delivery vehicle.
The current fleet of vehicles was built at Rivian’s studio in Plymouth, Michigan, and can drive up to 150 miles on a single charge.
Ross Rachey, Director of Amazon’s Global Fleet and Products, says: “We’re loving the enthusiasm from customers so far—from the photos we see online to the car fans who stop our drivers for a first-hand look at the vehicle. From what we’ve seen, this is one of the fastest modern commercial electrification programs, and we’re incredibly proud of that.”
RJ Scaringe, Rivian Founder and CEO, adds: “Rivian’s purpose is to deliver products that the world didn’t already have, to redefine expectations through the application of technology and innovation. This milestone is one example of how Rivian and Amazon are working toward the world of 2040, and we hope it inspires other companies to fundamentally change the way that they operate.”
In 2020, Amazon delivered more than 20 million packages to customers in electric delivery vehicles across North America and Europe.
