The Rivian Electric Delivery Vehicle: What Amazon Ordered

Amazon's electric delivery truck is the Rivian Electric Delivery Vehicle (EDV), built by Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer. Amazon ordered 100,000 of these trucks starting in 2019, with the first vehicles hitting roads in 2022. The EDV is purpose-built for last-mile delivery — the final leg of a package's journey from a distribution center to your doorstep — rather than long-haul trucking.

The truck is not sold to the public. It exists only in Amazon's delivery fleet. If you are looking to buy an electric truck for personal or business use, you would be looking at other manufacturers like Ford (F-150 Lightning), Chevrolet (Silverado EV), or Rivian's own R1T pickup truck, which is available for purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rivian EDV is Amazon's custom electric delivery vehicle, not a consumer product you can buy.
  • The truck carries up to 500 packages per day and has a range of roughly 150 miles per charge, designed for city and suburban routes.
  • Amazon plans to deploy thousands of these vehicles across its delivery network to reduce emissions from package delivery.
  • If you want to buy an electric truck for personal use, you have options from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, and Rivian's consumer models.
  • Electric delivery trucks reduce operating costs for fleets because electricity is cheaper than diesel and maintenance is lower.

How the Rivian EDV Is Different From a Pickup Truck

The EDV is a step van — a boxy, upright truck designed to stop frequently and carry cargo, not passengers. It is not a pickup truck like the F-150 Lightning or Rivian R1T. The cargo area is climate-controlled, which matters for temperature-sensitive packages. The truck has a low step height to make it easier for drivers to load and unload packages throughout the day.

The vehicle seats two people in the cab and has a maximum payload of around 500 packages. Its 150-mile range is intentional: most Amazon delivery routes stay within that distance, and the truck returns to a distribution center at the end of each shift to recharge. This is different from a long-haul truck, which needs to travel hundreds of miles between stops.

Range, Charging, and Real-World Performance

The Rivian EDV has an estimated range of 150 miles per full charge under typical delivery conditions. That range drops in cold weather and with a full load, similar to how all electric vehicles perform. Amazon installs charging infrastructure at its distribution centers, so drivers plug in overnight or between shifts.

Charging time depends on the charger type. A Level 2 charger (240 volts) takes longer but is cheaper to install; a DC fast charger is quicker but more expensive. Amazon has been building out both types at its facilities. The truck's battery is designed to last the life of the vehicle, though like all lithium batteries, it will gradually lose capacity over time — typically losing 2 to 3 percent of range per year.

Why Amazon Chose Electric for Delivery

Amazon committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and views its delivery fleet as a major source of emissions. Switching to electric trucks reduces tailpipe emissions in neighborhoods where packages are delivered. The company also benefits from lower fuel and maintenance costs: electricity costs less per mile than diesel, and electric motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines, meaning less wear on brakes, oil changes, and transmission repairs.

The EDV order is part of Amazon's broader Climate Pledge Arena initiative. The company has also ordered electric vans from other manufacturers and is testing hydrogen fuel cell trucks. The goal is not to replace the entire fleet overnight — that would be logistically impossible — but to gradually shift delivery toward zero-emission vehicles.

What This Means for Amazon Drivers and Customers

For Amazon delivery drivers, the EDV is quieter and smoother to drive than a diesel truck. The low step height and ergonomic design reduce strain from repetitive loading and unloading. Drivers do not need to refuel at gas stations; they charge at Amazon facilities. Some drivers report that the truck's when ready torque makes it easier to accelerate in traffic, though the top speed is limited to around 65 mph.

For customers, the main difference is that packages may arrive in a quieter, zero-emission vehicle. In some cities, Amazon has marketed this as a selling point. The truck's climate control also means packages are less likely to be damaged by extreme heat or cold during delivery.

Timeline and Rollout Across the United States

Amazon received its first Rivian EDVs in 2022 and has been deploying them to distribution centers across the country. The company has not released a detailed public timeline for when all 100,000 trucks will be on the road, but deployment has accelerated each year. As of 2024, thousands of EDVs are in operation in major metropolitan areas and suburban regions.

The rollout prioritizes areas with high delivery density — places where the truck's 150-mile range is sufficient and where the environmental benefit is greatest. Rural areas and long-distance routes continue to use traditional delivery vehicles because the EDV is not designed for those missions.

If You Want to Buy an Electric Truck

The Rivian EDV is not for sale to the public, but Rivian does make the R1T, a consumer electric pickup truck available for purchase. Other manufacturers offer electric trucks too: Ford's F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet's Silverado EV, and GMC's Sierra EV are all consumer models. Each has different range, towing capacity, and price points.

If you are considering an electric truck for personal or small business use, research the range you actually need, the charging infrastructure in your area, and whether your budget allows for the upfront cost. Electric trucks typically cost more than their gas equivalents, but lower fuel and maintenance costs can offset that over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Rivian EDV for my business?

No. The EDV is built exclusively for Amazon and is not sold to other businesses or individuals. Rivian does make the R1T pickup truck, which is available for purchase, but it is not a step van and is not designed for high-volume package delivery.

How long does it take to charge the Rivian EDV?

Charging time varies by charger type. A Level 2 charger (240 volts) takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge; a DC fast charger can reach 80 percent in 30 to 45 minutes. Amazon uses both types at its distribution centers depending on the facility and operational needs.

What happens to the battery after several years?

Electric vehicle batteries degrade slowly over time, typically losing 2 to 3 percent of capacity per year. Rivian's battery is warrantied for eight years or 100,000 miles. After that, the battery still works but holds less charge. Replacement is expensive, though battery costs have been falling.

Does the EDV work in cold weather?

Yes, but range decreases in cold temperatures, similar to all electric vehicles. Cold reduces battery efficiency and increases energy use for cabin heating. Amazon operates EDVs in northern climates, but drivers may see 20 to 30 percent less range on very cold days.

Why doesn't Amazon use these trucks for all deliveries?

The EDV's 150-mile range is designed for city and suburban delivery routes. Rural areas, long-distance routes, and remote locations still require traditional trucks that can travel farther between charging stops. Amazon is gradually expanding the fleet, but the transition takes time and requires charging infrastructure in new regions.