Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Amazon Reveals Rivian’s Electric Delivery Vehicle Prototype

Amazon revealed a video, photos, and some details of the van’s features but did not include battery or drivetrain specs. The timeframe for initial deployment is now “as early as 2022.”

by Staff
October 8, 2020
Amazon Reveals Rivian’s Electric Delivery Vehicle Prototype

The Amazon electric delivery vehicle is slated to launch as early as 2022. 

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

3 min to read


In a blog post today, Amazon revealed a video, photos, and a few details of its custom electric delivery vehicle designed and built in partnership with Rivian.

In addition to photos of the prototype in a factory setting, Amazon supplied a few of the van’s features. Those include a suite of highway and traffic assist technologies, exterior cameras around the vehicle that link to a display inside the cabin, Alexa integration (of course!) for hands-free access to digital information, bright taillights in the rear of the vehicle to easily detect braking, and a strengthened driver’s side door.

Ad Loading...

Inside, the van will have three levels of shelving and a bulkhead door, as well as a “dancefloor” inside the driver’s cabin for “easy movement inside the van.”

Significantly, however, the post did not include details of the battery or drivetrain.

"We combined Rivian’s technology with our delivery logistics knowledge, and the result is what you see here — the future of last mile delivery," said Ross Rachey, director of Amazon's Global Fleet and Products, in the post.

Screen grab courtesy of Amazon.

"The vehicle we’ve developed with Amazon is not just electric. We prioritized safety and functionality to create a vehicle that’s optimized for package delivery," said RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO. "We thought through how drivers get in and out of the van, what the workspace feels like and what the workflow is for delivering packages."

The Rivian delivery EV supports Amazon’s Climate Pledge commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040, which Amazon revealed as part of the original Rivian partnership announcement in September 2019. At the time, Amazon laid down the gauntlet with a 100,000-unit order, the largest to date for an electric delivery vehicle, with all 100,000 to be deployed by 2030.

Ad Loading...

Amazon initially said the first electric delivery vehicles would hit the streets starting in 2021, though that timeframe has been pushed back at least a year. In subsequent posts this year and in today’s post, Amazon committed to 10,000 electric delivery vehicles on the road “as early as 2022.”

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

The Rivian EV is one of three electric models that Amazon has invested in.

In August, the company announced the addition of 1,800 Mercedes electric delivery vehicles, eSprinter and eVito models, for its fleet in Europe. Amazon also plans to add 10,000 electric delivery vehicles to its fleet in India by 2025.

Last month, Lion Electric pledged to deliver 10 all-electric box trucks to Amazon, with two on the road by the end of this year.

In the EU, Amazon also uses e-cargo bikes for deliveries in some urban centers and operates 200 e-cargo bikes in the New York City area.

Ad Loading...

Rivian unveiled its flagship vehicle models, the all-electric R1T pickup and R1S SUV, at the LA Auto Show in 2018, with plans to begin delivering to customers in late 2020.

That timeframe has been pushed back as well. In July, Rivian confirmed those vehicles won’t launch until June 2021.

More Fleet Forward

keynote speaker photo of David Harkey
Fleet Forwardby StaffMay 1, 2026

IIHS Brings Commercial Vehicle Safety Analysis to 2026 Fleet Forward Conference Stage

IIHS President David Harkey will share early findings from new testing of delivery vans, pickups, and work trucks — and what the data means for fleet safety decisions.

Read More →
Image of a fleet manager with fleet on left, data on right of his face.
Fleet Forwardby Chris BrownMay 1, 2026

Fleet Manager or Data Strategist? You’re Both

The job hasn’t changed, but the expectations have. Do you have a plan on how to use AI to thrive?

Read More →
Automotive Fleet awards--fleet visionary, hall of fame, and fleet manager of the year call to nominations.
Fleet Forwardby Faith HowellApril 27, 2026

Nominations Are Open for the 2026 Awards!

The Hall of Fame, Visionary, and Fleet Manager of the Year award nominations are officially live. Don't miss your chance to recognize someone deserving.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Automotive Fleet Fleet Manager of the Year 1985 winner Jack Lamb
Fleet Forwardby StaffApril 24, 2026

Fleet Manager of the Year Winners Over the Years

The Edward J. Bobit Fleet Manager of the Year award honors commercial fleet managers whose leadership, innovation, and business acumen have advanced the profession.

Read More →
VMS Virtual Fleet Manager graphic showing a central AI chip connected to vehicle data, diagnostics, and system workflows across a fleet management platform.
Fleet Forwardby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

Vehicle Management Systems Introduces Virtual Fleet Manager

VMS recently launched an AI-first fleet platform that streamlines system design, organizes data, and supports decision-making.

Read More →
Person using stylus on tablet with dashboard charts, illustrating LightMetrics AI system that filters driver safety alerts to reduce false positives for fleet managers.
Fleet Forwardby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

LightMetrics Launches Cloud AI Layer to Reduce False Driver Safety Alerts

New FP platform filters dashcam alerts before they reach fleet managers, aiming to cut false positives, improve trust, and streamline safety coaching.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic promoting 2026 nominations for the Automotive Fleet Manager of the Year Award, featuring a badge and a photo of the 2025 winner receiving the honor on stage.
Fleet Forwardby StaffApril 10, 2026

Call for Nominations: 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Award

Nominations are now open for one of the fleet industry’s most prestigious honors—the Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year Award. Recognizing leaders who drive innovation, safety, and measurable impact, this award celebrates the very best in fleet management.

Read More →
AF Weekly News recap thumbnail represents a series.
Fleet Forwardby Faith HowellMarch 13, 2026

Is AI About to Change How Fleets Manage Vehicles? | AF News Recap

In this recap, host Faith Howell covers the top news released at Work Truck Week 2026.

Read More →
A graphic with two women looking at a computer screen represents the celebration of International Women's Day on March 8 for fleet leaders.
Fleet Forwardby Faith HowellMarch 9, 2026

Women in Fleet Reflect on Leadership and Industry Change

Kathryn Schifferle and Lori Olson discuss how technology, mentorship, and collaboration are shaping today’s fleet landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A woman in a blue shirt and apron stands in an automotive suite with her arms crossed.
Fleet Forwardby News/Media ReleaseMarch 6, 2026

The Hourglass Foundation Debuts New Scholarship Program

The Hourglass Foundation has launched a $60,000 program dedicated to supporting future technicians in the workforce.

Read More →