Amazon has begun testing its new Rivian delivery vans by delivering stuff in different parts of Los Angeles. The testing will be expanded to 15 more cities this year, ahead of several vehicles hitting the road over the next few years. In fact, Amazon has ordered 100,000 custom electric delivery vehicles from Rivian, of which, 10,000 are expected to be on roads worldwide as early as 2022 and all by 2030.
The van looks more like a commercial van version of the Honda e (Urban EV concept), especially its front fascia with those circular headlights and the black panel. It is built on Rivian’s skateboard platform that also underpins its R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. Amazon said that the van can drive up to 150 miles (241 km) on a single charge.
Inside, the dashboard is pretty similar to Rivian’s passenger vehicles. There’s a large central touchscreen, a driver display and a flat-bottom steering wheel that is also from the Rivian’s parts bin. Other features include exterior cameras that offer the driver a 360-degree view outside the vehicle, and Alexa integration for hands-free access to route information and the latest weather updates.
Amazon will continue to work with Rivian for more testing of the vehicle ahead of the start of production by the end of this year. The current fleet of vehicles was built at Rivian’s studio in Plymouth, Michigan.
Besides Amazon, Rivians’ investors include Ford, T. Rowe Price Associates, Fidelity Investments, and D1 Capital Partners.
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