Monday 12 October 2020

Amazon reveals first custom electric delivery vehicle with Rivian

Amazon has revealed its first custom electric delivery vehicle as part of a partnership with the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian.

The new vehicle features the latest electronics and uses highway and traffic assist technology, exterior cameras and a large windshield to enhance driver visibility.

The online retail giant has also announced that it will add 1,800 electric delivery vehicles this year to its fleet in Europe and 10,000 electric delivery vehicles to its fleet in India.

In support of the 'Climate Pledge', its commitment to be net zero across its business by 2040, Amazon has also unveiled plans to upgrade its delivery fleet with 100,000 EVs, a move that potentially could save millions of metric tonnes of carbon every year.

Amazon currently operates hundreds of EVs worldwide and has invested in EV charging stations for its partners to use, with plans to expand this infrastructure.

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

Ross Rachey, Director of Amazon's Global Fleet and Products said: "When we set out to create our first customised electric delivery vehicle with Rivian, we knew that it needed to far surpass any other delivery vehicle.

"We wanted drivers to love using it and customers to feel excited when they saw it driving through their neighbourhood and pulling up to their home."