Rivian to sell Commercial Van to US Fleets of any size

Rivian Automotive has announced that it will be opening sales for the Rivian Commercial Van to fleets of all sizes in the United States.

This marks a major milestone in the manufacturer's journey to expand its footprint in the commercial EV market. 

The Rivian Commercial Van, which serves as the foundation for Amazon’s custom electric delivery van (EDV), has been engineered from the ground up with a focus on safety, driver comfort, total cost of ownership and sustainability.

A focus on safety and efficiency

The Rivian Commercial Van is designed to be one of the safest vehicles on the road, incorporating advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, collision warnings and 360-degree visibility.

These systems continually interact with one another to enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents, ensuring that fleet operators can prioritise safety without compromising efficiency.

In addition to its robust safety features, the van also offers a design that is optimised for driver comfort. 

With ergonomic seating, an intuitive dashboard and easy access to cargo space, the Rivian Commercial Van provides a smooth and efficient driver experience. 

These design elements in conjunction with Rivian’s proprietary software, enable seamless operation and fleet management, enhancing overall productivity while reducing operational costs.

Rivian & Amazon: A strong partnership

Amazon has played a crucial role in Rivian’s development of the Commercial Van.

As part of a previous exclusive agreement, Amazon worked closely with Rivian to create a custom version of the van tailored to its specific delivery needs.

This collaboration resulted in the production of thousands of electric delivery vans, now a common sight on roads across the United States.

During Amazon's move to introduce Rivian EV's to its fleet operations across Europe in 2023, Neil Emery Director of Global Fleet and Product for Amazon had this to say: “Together, Amazon and Rivian designed and built a state-of-the-art electric vehicle from the ground up, and unlike anything else on the road today." 

Amazon's EV fleet has inspired a host of other retail and delivery giants to rethink their fleet strategies, driving the large-scale popularisation and adoption of EVs.

Since the conclusion of Rivian and Amazon’s exclusivity period, Rivian has focused on expanding its commercial operations, trialling its vans with multiple large fleet operators.

These pilot programmes have provided valuable insights into fleet management at scale, helping Rivian refine its software and logistics support for wider adoption.

“Through existing partnerships our commercial vans have already proved incredibly successful," says Tom Solomon, Senior Director for Business Development at Rivian.

"Amazon currently has more than 20,000 in its fleet and delivered over a billion packages from its Electric Delivery Vans in 2024 alone.

"Over the last year we have been focusing our efforts on testing with some larger fleets and we’re really pleased with how those trials have gone.

"As a result, we’re excited to now be able to open sales to fleets of all sizes in the US, whether they want one van or thousands.

"Our vehicles are  designed to not only be among the safest on the road, but will also help fleet owners to reduce the cost  of fleet ownership and their carbon footprint.”  

Amazon continues to use Rivian’s vans extensively throughout its delivery network, highlighting the success of their partnership.

The move to open sales to fleets of all sizes reflects Rivian’s confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities and its readiness to serve a broader market beyond its initial collaboration with Amazon.

Flexible options for US fleet operators

The Rivian Commercial Van is available in two sizes, the 500 and the 700, offering flexibility for different operational needs.

These vans provide a payload capacity of up to 2,663 lbs and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 9,500 lbs, making them suitable for a range of delivery and transport applications.

A key advantage of Rivian’s commercial offering is its in-house software stack, which controls nearly every aspect of the vehicle’s operation.

From unlocking and door access to charging and acceleration, the software improves the user experience, reduces maintenance costs and increases safety.

These advanced tools make it easier for fleet managers to track vehicle performance, optimise routes and ensure efficient energy usage.

By opening sales to a wider market, Rivian is positioning itself as a major player in the commercial EV sector.

With a strong foundation built through its work with Amazon and a clear focus on innovation, Rivian’s expansion could play a crucial role in the electrification of commercial transport in the years to come.

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