Rivian makes Amazon's electric delivery vans under a custom contract

Amazon's electric delivery vans are built by Rivian Automotive, a manufacturer founded in 2009 that specializes in electric vehicles. In 2019, Amazon committed to ordering 100,000 of these vans—called the Amazon Delivery Vehicle (ADV)—with the first vehicles rolling out to delivery stations in 2022. Rivian manufactures them at its facility in Normal, Illinois, which was formerly a Mitsubishi assembly plant.

This is not a standard commercial vehicle you can buy off the lot. Amazon worked with Rivian to design the ADV specifically for last-mile delivery—the final leg of a package's journey from a distribution center to your doorstep. The van is purpose-built for that job, which means its design reflects what Amazon's drivers actually do all day, not what a general-purpose truck manufacturer guesses they might need.

Key Takeaways

  • Rivian Automotive, based in Normal, Illinois, is the sole manufacturer of Amazon's electric delivery vans under a long-term contract that began in 2019.
  • The Amazon Delivery Vehicle (ADV) was designed specifically for package delivery, with features like a large cargo area, driver-side door placement for frequent stops, and a 150-mile range per charge.
  • Amazon has ordered 100,000 vans from Rivian, making this one of the largest electric vehicle orders ever placed by a single company.
  • The ADV uses a battery-electric powertrain with no tailpipe emissions, which reduces fuel costs and maintenance compared to diesel delivery trucks.

What makes the ADV different from a regular delivery truck

The Amazon Delivery Vehicle looks unusual because it was engineered around the actual work of delivery, not adapted from an existing truck design. The driver's door is positioned on the right side of the vehicle—the curb side—so drivers can step out and grab packages without crossing traffic lanes. The cargo area is tall and boxy, maximizing the space where packages sit while keeping the overall vehicle length manageable for residential streets.

The van has a 150-mile range on a full charge, which covers a typical delivery route in most urban and suburban areas. Amazon's delivery routes are planned so drivers return to a station to recharge overnight, making the range sufficient for daily operations. The vehicle also has a smaller turning radius than traditional delivery trucks, which matters when navigating tight residential neighborhoods and apartment complexes.

Inside, the cargo area has a low floor for easier loading and unloading, and the design reduces the physical strain on drivers who make hundreds of stops per shift. Climate control in the cargo area protects temperature-sensitive packages. These details come from Amazon's input—the company knows what breaks down, what slows drivers, and what damages packages, so Rivian built around those real constraints.

How Rivian manufactures the vans at scale

Rivian's Normal, Illinois facility was retooled specifically to produce the ADV. The plant uses assembly-line manufacturing similar to traditional automakers, but adapted for electric vehicle production. This means battery pack assembly, electric motor installation, and high-voltage electrical systems are integrated into the line rather than bolted on at the end.

Production has ramped gradually since 2022. Rivian has faced supply chain delays—particularly for semiconductor chips and battery cells—which have slowed delivery timelines. Amazon has publicly stated it expects to receive all 100,000 vans over several years, not when ready. As of late 2024, thousands of ADVs are in service across U.S. delivery stations, but the full order will take years to complete.

The manufacturing process includes quality testing specific to delivery use: the vans are tested for durability under repeated stop-and-start cycles, cargo door operation under load, and battery performance in various climates. Rivian also builds in redundancy for critical systems—if one cooling fan fails, others keep the battery pack safe.

The powertrain and charging infrastructure

Each ADV uses a battery-electric powertrain with no internal combustion engine. The battery pack sits low in the chassis, which lowers the vehicle's center of gravity and improves handling on turns. The electric motor delivers maximum torque when ready, which helps with the constant acceleration and braking of delivery work.

Amazon has installed charging infrastructure at its delivery stations to support the vans. Drivers plug in overnight, and the vehicles charge to full capacity by morning. This model works because delivery routes are predictable—Amazon knows how far each route goes and can plan charging accordingly. The infrastructure investment is substantial, but Amazon absorbs it as part of the fleet transition.

Operating costs are lower than diesel trucks because electricity is cheaper than fuel, and electric motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines. There is no oil to change, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Maintenance is mainly tire rotation, brake fluid checks, and battery monitoring—all less frequent and less expensive than maintaining a diesel engine.

Why Amazon chose Rivian for this contract

Amazon selected Rivian because the company had the engineering informed to design a purpose-built electric delivery vehicle and the manufacturing capacity to scale production. At the time of the 2019 agreement, Rivian was still developing its own consumer vehicles (the R1T truck and R1S SUV), but the company had already proven it could design and engineer electric powertrains from scratch.

The partnership also aligned with Amazon's climate goals. The company has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, and replacing diesel delivery vans with electric vehicles is a major part of that strategy. A delivery van operates hundreds of miles per week, so switching the entire fleet to electric has a measurable impact on emissions.

Rivian benefits from the contract because it provides stable, long-term revenue and manufacturing volume. Building 100,000 vehicles for one customer creates predictable demand, which helps the company manage cash flow and plan factory expansion. The ADV also serves as a proof-of-concept for electric commercial vehicles, which may open doors to other fleet customers.

Current deployment and future plans

Amazon Delivery Vehicles are now operating in cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York. Drivers report that the vans are quieter than diesel trucks and easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Customers have noticed the vehicles during deliveries—the distinctive design and lack of engine noise make them stand out.

Amazon has stated publicly that it plans to have 10,000 ADVs in service by the end of 2024, with continued rollout through the following years. The company is also exploring other electric delivery options, including smaller electric vans from other manufacturers, but Rivian remains the primary supplier for the large-scale ADV fleet.

Rivian continues to refine the design based on real-world feedback from drivers and maintenance teams. Updates have included improved cargo door hinges, better battery thermal management for extreme climates, and enhanced driver ergonomics. These refinements happen gradually as production continues, so newer vans incorporate lessons learned from earlier models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy an Amazon Delivery Vehicle if I own a delivery business?

No. The ADV is built exclusively for Amazon under a custom contract. Rivian does not sell the ADV to other companies or individuals. If you operate a delivery fleet, you would need to look at other electric van options from manufacturers like Ford (E-Transit) or Mercedes-Benz (eSprinter), which are available for commercial purchase.

How long does it take to charge an Amazon Delivery Vehicle?

Charging time depends on the charger type. With a standard Level 2 charger (240 volts), a full charge takes roughly 8 to 10 hours, which is why Amazon stations charge vans overnight. Fast-charging options exist but are not the primary method for this fleet because the overnight window is sufficient for daily operations.

What happens to the battery after the van reaches the end of its life?

Rivian and Amazon have not publicly detailed a comprehensive battery recycling program yet, but both companies have stated they are developing processes to recover materials from used battery packs. Battery recycling is still evolving in the automotive industry, and specific timelines and methods will likely be announced as the first generation of vans reaches retirement.

Are Amazon Delivery Vehicles available in other countries?

Currently, the ADV is deployed only in the United States. Amazon has not announced plans to order these vans for European or Asian operations. Other regions may eventually receive electric delivery vehicles, but they would likely be different models suited to local regulations, driving conditions, and infrastructure.

Does the electric van cost more to operate than a diesel van?

Over the vehicle's lifetime, electric vans typically cost less to operate because electricity is cheaper than diesel fuel and maintenance is simpler. However, the upfront purchase price of an electric van is higher than a comparable diesel vehicle. For Amazon, the lower operating costs and alignment with climate goals justify the higher initial investment.