This week I was invited to Rivian’s “Train the Trainer” event at Central Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins.
Rivian products
It was a two-day class on the entire Rivian product line, which includes three models. While the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV were interesting, the Rivian EDV, or “electric delivery vehicle” impressed me the most.
The EDV is now exclusively used by Amazon as delivery vehicles, with plans to expand into other fleets. At first look, the odd lines and proportions aren’t very pleasing to the eye. It’s whale shaped, but somewhat friendly looking. The EDV was built using input from Amazon drivers, not rooms full of automobile executives. That shows when you take a walk through of the cabin and cargo area.
When up close to the EDV, you will notice the cameras strategically placed and pointing towards any blind spot you can find. These cameras not only provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle, but are also linked to safety systems for emergency braking and accident avoidance. This reduces accidents in the areas these operate in, mostly neighborhoods and crowded streets. Hidden radar units and ultrasonic sensors also assist in the accident-avoidance system.
Other amenities
Driver comfort and convenience is also paramount. Assist bars are mounted in the most ergonomic way to help in getting in and out of the van all day. Tread areas have stippled surfaces for traction in wet conditions, and the doors are wide for ease of use. The seat is heated and cooled for the driver. The cargo area is accessed through a door in the cabin that can be opened automatically when the van is put in park. This leads to a cavernous space full of shelves and LED lighting.
One thing you cannot miss is the size of the windshield. It takes up about ¾ of the front profile of the van. This is accentuated with side glass to make the van’s cabin look almost like a greenhouse. This provides visibility for the driver much better than any deliver van I have ever been in.
While the range of 161 miles pales in comparison to Rivian’s noncommercial offerings, this range seems to work well for delivery purposes in metro areas. They are charged when loading for additional runs or overnight at Amazon distribution hubs, using over 17,000 level 2 charging stations Amazon has installed.
As of July, Amazon has purchased 15,000 EDVs and has delivered a staggering 800 million packages using them. This has led to a massive amount of test data that Rivian will use for their next step, which is private fleet sales.
Other vehicles
In November 2023, Rivian announced they will be building the RCV, or Rivian Commercial Vehicle, for use in other fleets in 2025. This vehicle shares much in common with the EDV, but will be customizable for differing applications. Larger fleets will be prioritized, like the Vienna Postal Service in Vienna, Va., that is currently testing them for postal delivery. Expect these to eventually trickle down to smaller fleets like tradesmen, business with local delivery needs, and even large families.
Pricing for these vans start at $83,000, which is quite a bit more than its competitors. I built three comparable vans on competitor sites. The Stellantis Ram Promaster comes in at $55,560, Ford Transit XLT at $63,050, and the Mercedes Sprinter gets within striking distance at $71,460. While the EDV seems expensive, the almost complete lack of maintenance and fuel savings make it look like an opportunity to cut costs.
The thing that impressed me the most is not what the EDV is used for now, but what it could be used for. I sent pictures to a plumber friend of mine who currently uses a Mercedes Sprinter and his reaction was very positive.
I could see these vans being used to support HVAC installers, light construction work, flower shops, and even bread routes. I think with more range it could also make quite a platform for a recreational vehicle in the “van life” space. This thing is versatile.
While electric vehicles have been controversial, I think Rivian has shown that they are viable for commercial applications. After all, 800 million packages can’t be wrong.
As for me, I will see you on the road!
