You might soon spot a Rivian electric van, and not just one emblazoned with the Amazon Prime logo. These popular e-cargo delivery vehicles, responsible for transporting packages, are no longer exclusively for Amazon’s use.
While the vans remain unavailable for individual consumers, the shift marks a significant step. Amazon provided crucial early support to Rivian, helping launch its R1T electric truck, the R1S SUV, and the delivery van. However, the initial agreement granted Amazon exclusive rights to purchase all 100,000 manufactured vans. As a result, these vehicles have been a common sight since 2019, identifiable by the Amazon Prime branding. Rivian has also undertaken testing of the van in partnership with AT&T.
Though Amazon has yet to fully fulfill its order of 100,000 vans, that remains the plan. In the meantime, Rivian has announced that it’s opening up purchase options to any commercial fleet interested in acquiring them. Unfortunately, this excludes personal use; so, aspiring ‘VanLifers’ will have to wait for now. But this change is a tangible step toward eventual public availability.
For those interested in purchasing a Rivian van, business registration is a requirement. There doesn’t appear to be a minimum order volume, giving businesses the flexibility to purchase a single unit or outfit an entire fleet. Currently, two variants of the van are available for purchase online: the RCV 500, priced just under $80,000, and the RCV 700, which costs $83,900. The 700-series is slightly longer, wider, and offers expanded cargo space.
In the highly competitive automotive landscape, particularly for electric vehicles, expanding the customer base could provide key financial benefits for Rivian. It would help the company as it continues to expand its charging network, and looks forward to the launch of the new Rivian R3 next year, and more.
Source: Rivian via The Verge
