Amazon has not released a consumer electric car, and no public timeline exists for one
Amazon does not currently sell an electric car to the public. The company has invested heavily in electric vehicle technology through its subsidiary Zoox, acquired in 2020, but Zoox is developing a robotaxi — a self-driving shuttle for ride-hailing services — not a passenger vehicle for individual purchase. Amazon has also ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian, its electric truck partner, but these are for Amazon's own logistics network, not for sale to consumers.
If you are searching for information about buying an electric vehicle, Amazon's current focus is on fleet electrification and autonomous technology rather than consumer sales. The company has made no public announcement about entering the consumer EV market or releasing a personal electric car under the Amazon brand.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon owns Zoox, an autonomous vehicle company, but Zoox is building self-driving robotaxis for commercial ride-hailing, not consumer cars for purchase.
- Amazon has ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian for its own shipping operations, but these vehicles are not available for public purchase.
- Amazon has not announced plans to manufacture or sell electric cars directly to consumers under any brand.
- If you are shopping for an electric vehicle, you will need to look at established EV makers like Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, or Rivian's consumer truck line instead.
Zoox: Amazon's autonomous vehicle subsidiary
Amazon acquired Zoox in 2020 for roughly $1.2 billion. Zoox is developing a purpose-built autonomous vehicle designed to operate without a human driver. The vehicle is intended for ride-hailing services in urban areas, similar to how Uber or Lyft operate today, but with no driver in the vehicle.
Zoox has not released a consumer product. The company is still in the testing and development phase, with prototypes undergoing trials in limited locations. There is no timeline for when Zoox vehicles might become available to the public, and when they do launch, they will operate as a ride-hailing service (you would request a ride through an app), not as a vehicle you would own or purchase.
Amazon's Rivian partnership and delivery fleet
In 2019, Amazon invested $440 million in Rivian, an electric truck manufacturer. Amazon then ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian, branded as Amazon Delivery Vehicles (ADVs). These vans are purpose-built for package delivery and began rolling out to Amazon's logistics network starting in 2022.
These delivery vans are not for sale to the public. They are owned and operated by Amazon as part of its internal shipping infrastructure. If you see one on the road, it belongs to Amazon's fleet. Rivian does sell consumer electric trucks and SUVs separately — the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV — but those are different products from the Amazon delivery vans.
Why Amazon is investing in electric vehicles
Amazon's EV investments serve two business goals: reducing the carbon footprint of its delivery operations and positioning itself in the emerging autonomous vehicle market. The Rivian vans lower emissions from the millions of packages Amazon ships daily. Zoox represents a longer-term bet on autonomous ride-hailing, a market Amazon believes will grow significantly over the next decade.
These are strategic business moves, not consumer product launches. Amazon is not trying to compete with Tesla or Ford in the consumer car market. The company is solving its own operational needs and exploring new business models in transportation.
Where to look if you want to buy an electric vehicle
If you are in the market for an electric car or truck, your options come from established automakers. Tesla offers the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. Ford produces the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. Chevrolet makes the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV. Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen, and others all have electric models available now.
Rivian, the company Amazon invested in, sells the R1T electric pickup and R1S electric SUV directly to consumers. If you are interested in newer EV brands with backing from major investors, Rivian is one option. Lucid, Polestar, and others are also selling electric vehicles, though availability and pricing vary by region.
What might change in the future
Amazon could theoretically announce a consumer electric vehicle program at any point, but there is no indication this is in development. The company has not filed patents for consumer EV designs, made statements about entering the market, or hired leadership teams typically associated with consumer automotive brands.
If Amazon does eventually move into consumer vehicles, it would likely be through Zoox or a new subsidiary, and the announcement would come through official Amazon press channels or SEC filings. Until then, any claims about an "Amazon electric car" for consumers are speculation, not fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an Amazon electric delivery van?
No. The Rivian vans Amazon ordered are for Amazon's internal use only. They are not sold to the public. If you want to buy an electric van or truck, you can purchase Rivian's consumer R1T or R1S, or look at commercial EV options from Ford, Chevrolet, or other manufacturers.
When will Zoox cars be available to buy?
Zoox is not building cars for purchase. The company is developing autonomous robotaxis that you would hail through an app, similar to Uber. No launch date has been announced, and the service will operate in specific cities, not nationwide.
Is Amazon planning to sell electric cars under its own brand?
Amazon has not announced any plans to manufacture or sell consumer electric vehicles. The company's EV investments focus on its own delivery operations and autonomous ride-hailing technology, not consumer car sales.
Does Amazon own Tesla or any other EV company?
No. Amazon owns Zoox and has invested in Rivian, but does not own Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, or other major EV makers. Rivian remains an independent company, though Amazon is a major shareholder and customer.