Amazon's Electric Van Is Built for Last-Mile Delivery, Not Consumer Purchase

Amazon's electric van, called the Rivian Electric Delivery Vehicle (EDV), is a purpose-built truck designed to move packages from distribution centers to your doorstep. It is not a consumer vehicle you can buy. Amazon ordered 100,000 of these vans from Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, starting in 2021, and has been deploying them to delivery stations across the United States since 2022.

The EDV looks distinctive on the road — it is a boxy, angular van with a flat front end and large windows. Amazon plans to use it to replace diesel delivery vans in its fleet, with the goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. As a consumer, you will see these vans making deliveries in your neighborhood, but you cannot order one for yourself or lease one for personal use.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rivian EDV is Amazon's proprietary delivery vehicle, not a consumer product available for purchase or lease.
  • Amazon owns and operates the vans through its own logistics network, not through dealerships or rental services.
  • The van is designed specifically for package delivery routes, with features like a wide cargo area, side-opening doors, and a driver-focused layout.
  • If you are interested in electric vans for business use, you can look at consumer alternatives like the Ford E-Transit or Mercedes eSprinter instead.

Why Amazon Built Its Own Electric Van

Amazon could have bought existing electric vans from manufacturers like Ford or Mercedes, but instead partnered with Rivian to design a vehicle tailored to delivery work. The EDV has features that a general-purpose van does not: a side-opening cargo door for faster package loading and unloading, a low step height to reduce driver fatigue, and a layout that prioritizes the driver's visibility and ergonomics during hundreds of stops per day.

The vehicle also has a range of roughly 150 miles per charge, which is sufficient for typical delivery routes that start and end at the same distribution center. Amazon charges the vans overnight at its facilities, so the limited range is not a constraint for the company's use case. For a consumer or small business, this range would be a significant limitation compared to gas vans, which can travel 300 to 500 miles on a tank.

How Many EDVs Are on the Road Now

Amazon has not released exact numbers, but the company has stated that thousands of EDVs are already in operation across the United States. The rollout began in 2022 in select cities and has expanded to more regions over time. Amazon's goal is to have 10,000 of these vans in operation by the end of 2024, though the company has not confirmed whether that target was met.

The vans are concentrated in urban and suburban areas where Amazon has high delivery volume and existing charging infrastructure. Rural areas and smaller towns are less likely to see EDVs because the company prioritizes deployment where it can maximize the environmental benefit and operational efficiency.

What Makes the EDV Different From Consumer Electric Vans

The Rivian EDV is a commercial vehicle built to Amazon's specifications. It is not available in different trim levels, colors, or configurations the way a Ford E-Transit or Mercedes eSprinter is. Amazon controls the entire supply chain — Rivian manufactures the vans, and Amazon operates and maintains them.

Consumer electric vans, by contrast, are sold through dealerships and come with warranties, service plans, and financing options. You can customize them to some degree and resell them later. The EDV is not part of that market. If you need an electric van for your business, you would look at the Ford E-Transit (available in multiple sizes and ranges up to 275 miles), the Mercedes eSprinter, or the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, all of which are sold to the public.

The Rivian Partnership and Production Timeline

Amazon's deal with Rivian was announced in 2019 and is worth roughly $1.4 billion in Amazon's investment in the company. Rivian manufactures the EDV at its plant in Normal, Illinois. The partnership is exclusive to Amazon for delivery vehicles, meaning Rivian does not sell the EDV to other companies or consumers.

Rivian itself is a separate company that also makes consumer electric vehicles — the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV — which you can buy through Rivian's website and dealerships. The EDV is not part of that consumer lineup. The two products share some underlying technology but are built on different platforms and serve entirely different markets.

Charging and Operating Costs for Amazon's Fleet

Amazon charges the EDVs at its own facilities overnight, using a combination of grid power and renewable energy sources where available. The company does not disclose the per-mile electricity cost, but industry estimates suggest electric delivery is roughly 50 to 70 percent cheaper to operate than diesel, accounting for fuel and maintenance savings.

For Amazon, the financial case for electric vans is strong over a five to seven-year ownership period. The upfront cost is higher than a diesel van, but lower fuel and maintenance costs offset that premium. For a small business considering an electric van, the math is different — you would need to evaluate your specific route, electricity rates in your area, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

If You Want an Electric Van for Your Business

If you operate a delivery service, trades business, or other operation that needs an electric van, you have several options that are actually available to purchase or lease. The Ford E-Transit comes in three sizes (150, 250, and 350) with ranges from 126 to 275 miles depending on the model. It is sold through Ford dealerships and can be financed or leased.

The Mercedes eSprinter is available in Europe and select U.S. markets, with a range of up to 211 miles. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a smaller option designed more for urban delivery and passenger transport, with a range of roughly 260 miles. All three are consumer products with warranties, service networks, and resale value. None of them are as purpose-built for delivery as the Rivian EDV, but they are the closest alternatives available to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Rivian EDV for my delivery business?

No. The Rivian EDV is manufactured exclusively for Amazon and is not sold to other companies or individuals. If you need an electric delivery van, you would need to look at alternatives like the Ford E-Transit, Mercedes eSprinter, or Volkswagen ID.Buzz, all of which are available through dealerships.

Will Amazon's electric vans eventually be sold to the public?

There is no indication that Amazon plans to sell or lease the EDV to consumers or other businesses. The vehicle is designed specifically for Amazon's delivery operations and is not part of Rivian's consumer product line. Rivian's consumer vehicles are the R1T truck and R1S SUV.

How long does it take to charge an Amazon electric van?

Amazon charges the EDVs overnight at its facilities, typically using Level 2 chargers. A full charge takes roughly 8 to 10 hours. The exact time depends on the charger type and the vehicle's battery capacity, which Amazon has not disclosed publicly.

What is the range of the Rivian EDV on a single charge?

The EDV has a range of approximately 150 miles per charge, which is designed to cover a typical delivery route that starts and ends at the same distribution center. This range is shorter than most consumer electric vans because Amazon's use case does not require longer distances.

Is Rivian still making the EDV for Amazon?

Yes. Rivian continues to manufacture the EDV at its plant in Normal, Illinois, and Amazon continues to deploy them across the United States. The company has stated it aims to have thousands of these vans in operation, though exact current numbers are not publicly available.