Rivian Automotive, an electric vehicle (EV) maker, has recently announced the expansion of sales for its Rivian Commercial Van to fleets of all sizes across the US. Originally designed for Amazon, the commercial van has undergone successful trials with several large fleet operators in the country, marking the end of an exclusivity period with Amazon, which holds a 17% stake in Rivian.
According to a press statement released by Rivian, the company has been conducting trials with multiple large fleets in the US post the exclusivity period with Amazon. These trials have paved the way for Rivian to open sales to a wider market, including fleets of all sizes.
The Rivian Commercial Van, which serves as the foundation for Amazon’s custom electric delivery van, prioritizes safety, driver comfort, total cost of ownership, and sustainability. The van comes equipped with a range of safety features such as automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, and 360-degree visibility.
Available in two sizes, the 500 and the 700, the Rivian Commercial Van offers a payload capacity of up to 2,663 lbs and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of up to 9,500 lbs. Rivian’s software stack manages various vehicle interactions, including door unlocking, charging, and acceleration, aiming to simplify the ownership experience, enhance safety and productivity, and reduce costs for fleet operators.
Tom Solomon, Rivian’s business development senior director, expressed satisfaction with the trials conducted over the past year, leading to the decision to open sales to fleets of all sizes in the US. Solomon highlighted the safety and cost-saving benefits of Rivian’s vehicles, emphasizing their contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of fleet operations.
In a significant development, Rivian recently secured a loan agreement of up to $6.6 billion with the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. This financial support will aid in the construction of a new electric vehicle production facility in Stanton Springs North, Georgia, with $6 billion in principal and approximately $600 million in capitalized interest.
The expansion of Rivian’s commercial van sales to a broader market segment reflects the company’s commitment to providing innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for fleet operators in the US. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, Rivian continues to drive the transition towards electric mobility in the commercial sector.
