Rivian announced on February 10, 2025, that its electric vans are now available for purchase by any commercial fleet. Previously exclusive to Amazon, the vans can now be acquired by businesses of various sizes across the united states.
- Rivian's electric van now available for all fleets
- Amazon's exclusivity deal ended prematurely
- Rivian sold only 20% of promised vans
- Vans must be registered for business use
- Electric van market remains volatile
- Rivian aims to improve financial situation
The shift in Rivian’s sales strategy comes after its partnership with Amazon ended in November 2023, with Amazon acquiring only 20,000 of the 100,000 vans initially agreed upon. Despite this, Amazon remains Rivian’s largest shareholder, holding a 17 percent stake in the company. Rivian’s electric vans are designed for commercial use and are available in two models: the RCV 500, starting at $79,900, and the RCV 700, starting at $83,900.
Rivian has been testing its vans with larger fleets, including AT&T, to refine their offerings. The company aims to sell to a wide range of customers, from those needing a single van to those requiring thousands. Rivian’s electric vans are expected to provide better profit margins compared to its R1T and R1S models, and the company plans to offer software subscriptions to enhance long-term value.
The electric van market remains competitive, with other manufacturers like Ford and Mercedes-Benz also launching their models. Ford’s E-Transit vans saw a 64 percent increase in sales in 2024, while Mercedes-Benz is set to begin deliveries of its eSprinter later this year. Rivian’s broader customer base could improve its financial standing, which has faced challenges in recent years.
Rivian’s decision to open sales to all commercial fleets marks a significant shift in its business model, potentially enhancing its market presence and financial stability in the evolving electric vehicle landscape.
