Amazon Launches Rivian Electric Delivery Fleet in Metro Vancouver

Amazon has launched its first fleet of battery-electric delivery vans from Rivian in Canada, marking a significant advancement in the company’s commitment to a zero-emission transportation network. This week, an initial fleet of 50 custom-built vans commenced operations in Metro Vancouver, aligning with Amazon’s broader strategy for sustainable delivery practices in the country. This initiative is Amazon’s first major step toward electrifying its delivery operations in Canada.

Eva Lorenz, Vice President and Country Manager of Amazon Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “Amazon has always been committed to offering the fastest delivery speeds for our customers, and it’s tremendously exciting to now launch our first major initiative targeting the decarbonization of our local delivery fleet.”

Jasmin Begagic, Director of Amazon Logistics Canada, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with Amazon’s sustainability vision: “This initiative embodies our mission to build a transportation network that works for our customers, our communities, and our planet.”

Details of the Fleet and Features

The fleet of vans was developed through a partnership with U.S.-based manufacturer Rivian, a collaboration that began in 2019. Amazon is a founding signatory of The Climate Pledge, a global commitment aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Tom Solomon, Vice President of B2B Growth and Business Development for Rivian, noted, “This marks an exciting milestone in our five-year history of operations in Canada. We’ve engineered this vehicle to be the superior choice for fleets, integrating safety, comfort, and sustainability into every detail.”

Each Rivian van is equipped with advanced safety and driver experience features. These include 360-degree visibility, sensor detection systems, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control, collision warnings, and powered bulkhead doors enhance the delivery process. The vehicles also come with integrated Amazon delivery workflow technology that connects routing, navigation, and package management seamlessly.

Future Expansion Plans

The 50 vans will operate from Amazon’s DYV1 delivery station in Delta, British Columbia, with two local Amazon Delivery Service Partners incorporating them into their routes. Amazon intends to expand the fleet across Canada as part of its global goal of deploying 100,000 Rivian battery-electric delivery vehicles by 2030.

Currently, Amazon has over 35,000 electric delivery vehicles in operation globally, which have collectively delivered more than 1.5 billion packages. The introduction of this fleet in Metro Vancouver represents a pivotal move toward meeting the company’s sustainability goals while enhancing delivery efficiency for its customers.