Amazon Reveals its new electric delivery vans Manufactured by Rivian
Just recently, Amazon unveiled its first ever all-electric delivery vehicle. The van was created by Rivian, an electric vehicle startup, and comes with state-of-the-art technology. It includes amazing features, like an advanced driver-assist system and sensing equipment.
Amazon’s goal is to have 10,000 delivery vehicles on the road by the year 2022. By 2030, it is expecting a total delivery fleet of 100,000.
When they decided to create their first customized electric van with Rivian, they knew they needed to surpass other delivery vehicles, Ross Rachey, Amazon’s global fleet and products director said in a statement. They want their drivers to love it, and their customers to feel excited each time they see it driving around their neighborhood. This first ever delivery vehicle is the future of delivery services. It is a combination of Amazon’s logistics knowledge and Rivian’s technology.
Amazon didn’t reveal lots of information about the delivery van’s range, battery, drivetrain and other specifications. Like most modern cars, it will have exterior cameras which will be connected to an indoor digital display. This gives the driver a 360-degree outdoor view. Moreover, it will be integrated with Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant for efficient, hands-free weather updates and navigation help.
The door at the driver’s side will be strengthened for stronger protection. The rear would have a bulkhead door and three levels of shelving for quick access. Probably the most intriguing aspect is the “dancefloor” inside the cabin for more convenient movement indoors.
Originally, Amazon announced that their new delivery van is part of their pledge to become a carbon-neutral company by the year 2040.
Rivian is one of the newest names in the electric vehicle industry. It only debuted its SUV and pickup truck at the end of November 2018. Founded originally to create something that can compete with Tesla’s first car, CEO RJ Scaringe eventually shifted the business towards a more action-adventure market.
In 2019, Rivian was able to get huge investments from major tech players, including Amazon. Amazon provided around $700 million funding around February 2019. However, it did not disclose the exact amount it was investing. Then, in April, Ford announced its $500 million investment in Rivian. The two companies said that this would lead to a new electric vehicle that will be sold by the auto giant. Unfortunately, that vehicle has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the most recent investments came from Cox Automotive, a huge name in the logistics and retail scene. By July 2020, Rivian acquired its biggest sum yet – a $2.5 billion investment by T. Rowe Price. Amazon is also included in this deal.
So far, Rivian has produced two vehicles: the R1S SUV and R1T pickup. Created on the same technological platform, it claims these vehicles, which start at $70,000, can hit 60 miles each hour in under three seconds, and travel about 400 miles on one charge. In some capacity, these vehicles will be able to drive themselves, too.
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