Introduction

Delivery vans typically don’t generate much excitement. But when you take a van, make it fully electric, and design it specifically for Amazon, you get something highly innovative: the Rivian Electric Delivery Van (EDV). Built by Rivian for Amazon’s package deliveries, this electric van is far from ordinary. With a range of quirks and features designed for maximum efficiency, safety, and driver comfort, it represents the future of delivery vehicles.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the fascinating features of the Rivian EDV and explain why it’s more than just a boring delivery vehicle.

A Purpose-Built Electric Delivery Van

The Rivian EDV was created with one mission: to deliver packages for Amazon in the most efficient, environmentally friendly way possible. It’s not available to the public or any other company—Amazon is the sole customer. This makes the van purpose-built, meaning that every feature is designed to make the life of Amazon’s delivery drivers easier.
This electric van rides on the same platform as Rivian’s electric SUV and truck, the R1S and R1T, and is built in the same factory. However, it differs in its front-wheel-drive setup, longer body, and of course, its cargo-focused design.

Innovative Driver Convenience Features

What really sets the Rivian EDV apart are the thoughtful features designed to save time and effort for drivers. For example, the key fob comes with the Amazon smile logo, not the Rivian logo. The key also has no loop for a keychain. Instead, it features a clip so drivers can attach it to their shirt pocket, allowing easy access to lock and unlock the van without having to reach into their pocket.
The doors are another standout feature. The driver’s door opens with a small rubber button, but it’s the sliding side door that’s the real hero. Drivers enter and exit this side door constantly during their shift, and Rivian made it slide open to allow for easy access. In fact, the van has two steps instead of three, as research showed the third step slowed drivers down.
The van even includes an automatic door leading from the driver’s seat to the cargo area. When the van is put into park, the door opens automatically, allowing the driver to walk directly into the back to grab packages. When the van is shifted into drive, the door closes automatically as well, saving a few precious seconds each time.

Driver-Centered Design

The driver’s seat in the Rivian EDV is positioned high for easy entry and exit, allowing drivers to swing their legs over and step directly out or into the cargo area. The van’s enormous windshield provides excellent visibility, making it easier for drivers to see their surroundings. The windshield is also heated, which helps melt ice quickly in cold weather.
One quirky feature of the windshield is its wipers. They are unusually large to accommodate the windshield’s size, and they move in an alternating pattern that makes it fun to watch. The van also has massive sun visors to help block out the sun, complete with extendable panels for extra coverage.
The driver’s seat itself is the only permanent seat in the van, but there’s also a fold-down jump seat for a second person, like a trainee. The seat even includes its own cup holder.

Efficient Climate Control and Infotainment System

Climate control in the Rivian EDV is highly efficient and focused entirely on the driver. There are only two air vents near the driver’s seat, and the seat itself has a fan to help cool the driver. Since heating or cooling the entire cabin would be inefficient, this design ensures energy is not wasted.
The van’s infotainment system is packed with functionality specifically tailored for Amazon’s needs. There’s an icon to control the sliding door between the driver’s seat and the cargo area, and another button to turn on cargo and interior lights. The navigation system works through a QR code that Amazon drivers scan to load their delivery routes.
Interestingly, the van doesn’t have a traditional radio. Instead, drivers are expected to use Bluetooth for their music or podcasts, as research showed that’s how most drivers preferred to listen to audio.

Designed with Safety in Mind

The Rivian EDV is also packed with safety features. It includes driver-assistance technologies like lane-keeping assist, forward-collision braking, and adaptive cruise control. The van even has a 360-degree camera system to assist with parking and navigating tight spaces.
Because the van has no rear window, there’s no rearview mirror. However, the camera system more than makes up for that by giving the driver full visibility around the vehicle. The absence of a rearview mirror also contributes to the streamlined design of the van.

Innovative Cargo Area

The cargo area of the Rivian EDV is optimized for Amazon’s delivery needs. The van is designed so that most drivers can stand up fully while inside, allowing them to move packages quickly and easily without bending over. The shelves are custom-built to fit Amazon’s package totes, ensuring seamless organization and easy access.
One of the most interesting features of the cargo area is the back door, which operates like a garage door. It slides up into the van, allowing drivers to open the door without worrying about hitting something behind them. This design also keeps the van’s footprint small when the door is open, improving accessibility in tight delivery spots.

Exterior Design and Performance

The exterior of the Rivian EDV is both functional and stylish. At the rear, you’ll find a distinctive light bar that spans across the back and over the top of the van. This makes the van highly visible to other drivers, reducing the risk of accidents.
The front of the van is designed to look friendly, with round headlights and a smiling Amazon logo. This was done intentionally to make the van appear approachable in residential neighborhoods where kids might be playing or people might be walking their dogs.
The van’s electric motor produces about 425 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate quickly and handle traffic efficiently. While its range is around 150 miles, this is more than enough for a typical delivery route, as drivers rarely need to travel long distances between stops.

Conclusion: The Future of Delivery Vehicles

The Rivian EDV is far from just another delivery van. It’s a fully electric, purpose-built vehicle designed with Amazon’s delivery drivers in mind. From the automatic sliding door to the efficient climate control and driver-focused design, every feature of this van is meant to maximize convenience, safety, and efficiency. Its innovative features, combined with its sleek and friendly design, make it a standout in the world of electric vehicles.
I recently discovered someone who had a similar experience with the Rivian EDV, and their insights inspired me. If you’re interested in learning more about this groundbreaking vehicle, check out this video here: The Rivian Electric Amazon Delivery Van Is Highly Innovative and Incredibly Cool.