In collaboration with American automaker Rivian, Amazon has announced the first custom electric delivery vehicle built. Part of Amazon's efforts to make all shipments net-zero carbon by 2040 is to build an in-house electric delivery vehicle.This new EV features a clean, even whimsical style, just like Rivian's fully electric pickup truck.
Amazon states that, by 2022, 10,000 custom delivery vans will be launched. Moreover, the e-commerce giant has ambitious plans to increase its accessibility by 2030 to 100,000.
Van has outlined some of the unique features that include sensor-based road driving and traffic assistance features; external cameras with a visual monitor that can provide the driver with a 360-degree view.
In order to help drivers get to and from the cabin compartment, their interiors have greater floor space in the cabin. For improved braking visibility for the other drivers, it encloses tail lights and has three-level shelving and a bulkhead cargo compartment that separates the door. The built-in Alexa voice assistant integration is its most unique feature.
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 CEO RJ Scaringe, Rivian.Although its alliance with Rivian has led to an eco-friendly first, as it builds out its electric vehicle fleet, Amazon has been actively courting other automakers.