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Amazon invests in electric ute and SUV company

Rivian, which plans to start production of an all-electric pickup truck and SUV in late 2020, gets a fresh injection of capital.


Amazon, along with other investors, has injected another US$700 million ($987 million) into electric ute startup Rivian.

According to Rivian, however, it will remain independent in spite of the extra investment.

In a prepared statement, Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon's Worldwide Consumer division said, "We're inspired by Rivian’s vision for the future of electric transportation".

The company hasn't released any further details about this round of funding, so it's unclear how investors have valued the startup.

Rumours ahead of the announcement indicated GM would also invest in the automaker. Amazon's investment in Rivian is the company's second punt in the automotive sector in as many weeks, with the online retailer having just put money into Aurora, a firm developing self-driving car technology.

Rivian unveiled its all-electric R1T pickup truck, and R1S SUV at the 2018 Los Angeles motor show. Top end models will have electric motors generating up to 562kW/1120Nm, and a 180kWh battery pack good for around 660km of driving.

The company plans to put both vehicles into production from late 2020 at its factory in Normal, Illinois. In a past life the plant was owned by Mitsubishi Motors, and produced everything from Eclipse sports cars to Galant sedans, as well as various Chrysler Group products.

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