How Rivian is Strengthening US Fleets & Last-Mile Delivery

Rivian is opening up sales of its Rivian Commercial Van (RCV) to fleets of all sizes in the US, expanding beyond its previous exclusive partnership with Amazon.

The move signals Rivian’s ambition to become a major supplier in the commercial EV market, particularly for last-mile delivery operations.

The RCV, originally developed for Amazon’s electric delivery vans (EDVs), is designed with a focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability.

Now, businesses of any scale can integrate Rivian’s EVs into their fleets, whether they need a single van or an entire fleet.

Rivian’s entry into the wider commercial vehicle market comes at a time when last-mile delivery is evolving rapidly. Consumers expect faster deliveries and businesses are under increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals while keeping costs low.

The RCV is built with this in mind. Its features—automatic emergency braking, collision warnings and 360-degree visibility—enhance driver safety while reducing accident-related costs. The ergonomic design, with a spacious cabin and easy cargo access, ensures that delivery drivers can work comfortably and efficiently.

Fleet operators also benefit from Rivian’s in-house software, which streamlines fleet management by tracking vehicle performance, optimising routes and reducing maintenance needs. These efficiencies make the RCV an attractive option for businesses looking to cut costs and improve delivery reliability.

Tom Solomon, Rivian’s Senior Director of Business Development, highlights the company’s progress, saying: “Through existing partnerships our commercial vans have already proved incredibly successful.

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

With last-mile delivery playing a crucial role in ecommerce and urban logistics, Rivian’s expansion into the broader fleet market could reshape how businesses approach sustainable transportation.

Rivian and Amazon: A partnership that shaped an industry

Amazon was instrumental in Rivian’s commercial van development, working closely with the EV manufacturer to design a vehicle tailored for large-scale deliveries.

The partnership resulted in thousands of electric vans hitting US roads, supporting Amazon’s sustainability targets while proving the viability of Rivian’s technology.

As part of its European expansion, Amazon introduced Rivian’s vans to its fleet in 2023.

Neil Emery, Amazon’s Director of Global Fleet and Product, said at the time: “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.”

The success of Amazon’s EV fleet has influenced other major retailers and delivery firms to explore electric alternatives, accelerating the transition to greener logistics. Now that Rivian’s exclusivity agreement with Amazon has ended, the company has been conducting trials with other large fleet operators.

Tom explains: “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.”

By making the RCV widely available, Rivian is positioning itself as a leader in commercial EVs, capable of supporting businesses looking to scale their sustainable logistics operations.

Flexible solutions for fleet operators

Rivian offers the RCV in two sizes, the 500 and the 700, allowing fleet operators to choose the right fit for their delivery needs. With a payload capacity of up to 2,663 lbs and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 9,500 lbs, these vans are well-suited for urban and suburban deliveries.

Beyond vehicle performance, Rivian’s software integration gives fleet managers precise control over operations.

The system manages key functions such as locking mechanisms, charging status and acceleration settings, ensuring vehicles operate efficiently. This level of automation not only improves safety but also reduces downtime and maintenance costs.

Amazon remains a major user of Rivian’s vans, demonstrating their reliability in large-scale delivery networks.

However, Rivian’s decision to open sales beyond Amazon reflects its confidence in the RCV’s capabilities and its readiness to serve a broader market.

With businesses increasingly looking to decarbonise their logistics operations, Rivian’s expanded availability could play a key role in transforming commercial transport.

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