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2021 Amazon and Rivian all-electric delivery van unveiled

Amazon has unveiled the first functional example of its upcoming all-electric delivery van.


Built in collaboration with California-based start-up Rivian – which is, itself, part-owned by Amazon – the vehicle features semi-autonomous highway and traffic assist technologies, 360-degree exterior cameras linked to an internal digital display, three levels of storage shelving, and Alexa integration.

Powertrain and performance details are yet to be released.

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Despite earlier reports suggesting the van would be badged as a Rivian, the most recent images show the Amazon logo situated prominently at the front, rear, and sides.

Last year – when the project was announced – Amazon committed to buying 100,000 examples, 10,000 of which will hit the road by 2022.

Electrek.com estimates the deal represents a $4 billion (approximately AU$5.6 billion) payday for Rivian.

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"The vehicle we’ve developed with Amazon is not just electric. We prioritised safety and functionality to create a vehicle that’s optimised for package delivery," said Rivian CEO, RJ Scaringe.

"We thought through how drivers get in and out of the van, what the work space feels like and what the workflow is for delivering packages."

Rivian also has two all-electric consumer models slated for launch in 2021: the R1T pick-up and R1S SUV.

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Based on a shared platform, these passenger vehicles will produce “up to” 550kW/1124NM, accelerate from zero to 100km/h in three seconds, and have a range of about 640km drawn from a 180kWh battery.

Specifications, launch details and pricing are yet to be released for the Australian market, however in the USA the R1T starts at $69,000 (approximately AU$96,000) while the R1S is priced from $72,500 (approximately AU$100,000).

Watch the Amazon van launch video below.

William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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