Rivian and Amazon Launch Electric Delivery Vans in Canada, Expanding Global Sustainability Partnersh
Rivian and Amazon Expand Sustainability Partnership with Electric Delivery Vans Rolling Out in Canada
Introduction
In a groundbreaking milestone that underscores their shared commitment to sustainable logistics, Rivian and Amazon have officially launched the Electric Delivery Vehicle (EDV) in Canada. The rollout represents a significant evolution in the companies’ long-term collaboration, first announced five years ago, and further solidifies Amazon’s vision of building a carbon-neutral delivery network.
The initial fleet of 50 Rivian-built EDVs will begin operations in Vancouver, marking the first deployment of these custom-designed electric vans outside the United States. This expansion is expected to improve delivery efficiency while substantially reducing the environmental impact of Amazon’s logistics network—one of the largest in the world.
Background of the EDV Project
The origins of the Electric Delivery Vehicle project date back to September 2019, when Amazon made headlines by investing heavily in Rivian—a then up-and-coming EV startup known for its innovative approach to electrification. As part of this investment, Amazon placed an unprecedented order for 100,000 electric delivery vans, with a goal to integrate them into its global fleet by 2030.
At the time, the deal stood out not only for its scale but also for its environmental implications. Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos announced that the investment aligned with the company’s ambitious Climate Pledge, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040—a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s target.
This collaboration immediately positioned Amazon as a major force in the global transition toward cleaner logistics and gave Rivian a critical foothold in the commercial EV sector.
Production and Deployment Progress
Production of the Rivian EDV began in 2021 at the company’s manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, a facility repurposed from a former Mitsubishi factory. Designed specifically for Amazon’s operational needs, the EDV combined Rivian’s electric powertrain technology with features tailored for last-mile delivery.
The first fleet of Rivian-built EDVs joined Amazon’s U.S. delivery network during the summer of 2022, serving major metropolitan regions such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Baltimore. These early deployments served as testbeds for refining both performance and logistics integration.
Momentum quickly followed. By December 2024, Rivian and Amazon celebrated a major milestone—the successful deployment of 20,000 EDVs across the United States. The collaboration showed no signs of slowing down: during the first half of 2025, another 10,000 units were delivered to Amazon’s network, bringing the total to 30,000 EDVs actively in service.
This steady production and rollout not only validated Rivian’s manufacturing capabilities but also demonstrated Amazon’s capacity to scale sustainable delivery infrastructure at an unprecedented rate.
A New Chapter: Expansion into Canada
The official launch of the EDV in Canada marks the next chapter in this partnership’s evolution. Announced this week, Amazon revealed that the first 50 Rivian EDVs have entered service in Vancouver, a city known for its environmental leadership and commitment to green transportation.
Amazon celebrated the launch on social media, posting:
“The first Rivian Electric Delivery Vans have arrived in Canada as @amazon announced that 50 vans are hitting the road to serve the Vancouver area – marking an exciting milestone in our five-year history of operations in Canada.”
This rollout represents more than just an international expansion—it’s a validation of Rivian’s ability to deliver reliable, climate-conscious vehicles tailored to diverse regional conditions. Vancouver’s mix of dense urban areas and hilly terrain provides an ideal testing ground for optimizing vehicle performance under varying operational demands.
Moreover, the Canadian debut paves the way for further international deployments, as Amazon looks to electrify its logistics networks in other markets including Europe, Australia, and Japan.
Inside the Rivian Electric Delivery Vehicle (EDV)
The Rivian EDV is a purpose-built electric van engineered exclusively for Amazon’s delivery operations. Every detail—from the battery system to the ergonomics of the driver’s cabin—has been designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and comfort during high-frequency delivery cycles.
Key features include:
- Optimized cargo capacity:The EDV’s modular storage design accommodates large volumes of parcels while maintaining balance and accessibility.
- Advanced driver-assist technologies:Integrated with Rivian’s digital architecture, the EDV supports collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and real-time telematics.
- Sustainable materials:Many interior components are made from recycled or renewable materials, reflecting both companies’ sustainability ethos.
- Efficient charging ecosystem:The vans are compatible with Amazon’s rapidly expanding network of electric charging stations installed at delivery depots nationwide.
These design choices underscore a shared mission—to not only electrify the fleet but also to transform the experience of delivery driving into one that is safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
Rivian’s Broader Commercial Portfolio
While the EDV is custom-built for Amazon, Rivian has also expanded its offerings with a separate line of vehicles for commercial clients. The Rivian Commercial Van (RCV), introduced in 2024, is a more versatile variant designed for businesses beyond Amazon.
The RCV starts at approximately $83,000 USD and has already attracted notable corporate clients, including AT&T, which has incorporated the van into its service fleet. The model retains much of the EDV’s core design but adds flexibility for customization, allowing companies to tailor vehicle specifications for specific industry needs—from telecommunications to retail logistics.
This diversification strategy strengthens Rivian’s position in the commercial EV market, providing multiple revenue streams beyond its consumer vehicles like the R1T pickup and R1S SUV. It also highlights Rivian’s commitment to advancing electrification across all sectors of transportation—not just personal mobility.
Sustainability and Market Impact
The introduction of electric delivery vehicles in Canada marks a meaningful step in Amazon’s broader decarbonization efforts. The company has committed to deploying 100,000 Rivian-built EDVs globally by 2030, an initiative projected to eliminate millions of metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
Rivian’s role in this mission extends beyond vehicle production. The partnership demonstrates how collaboration between technology-focused automakers and logistics giants can reshape global supply chains to align with sustainability goals.
For the Canadian market specifically, the move holds symbolic and practical value. As one of the world’s leading adopters of green energy policies, Canada represents a strategic opportunity for scaling clean transportation infrastructure. The Vancouver launch serves as a proving ground for broader adoption in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary, where urban delivery volumes are surging.
In addition to the environmental impact, the deployment enhances operational efficiency. Electric vans have lower maintenance costs and higher energy efficiency compared to traditional combustion vehicles, contributing to long-term savings and streamlined fleet management.
Future Outlook: Driving Toward a Greener Logistics Network
As Rivian and Amazon continue to collaborate, both companies remain focused on refining technology, scaling production, and enhancing environmental impact. The Canadian launch is expected to precede a larger international rollout, aligning with Amazon’s global sustainability roadmap.
Industry experts view this partnership as a blueprint for the logistics industry, demonstrating how electrification can align environmental responsibility with business growth. By integrating advanced electric vehicles into its last-mile delivery ecosystem, Amazon not only strengthens its sustainability credentials but also positions itself competitively in an era where environmental performance is a key differentiator.
For Rivian, the success of the EDV project enhances its reputation as a credible leader in commercial EV manufacturing—a vital segment for achieving long-term profitability. The company’s proven ability to scale complex fleet deployments positions it advantageously against emerging competitors in the electric van market.
Ultimately, the rollout of Rivian’s Electric Delivery Vehicles in Canada represents more than a milestone—it’s a turning point for the future of logistics, symbolizing how sustainability, innovation, and corporate collaboration can converge to shape the next generation of global commerce.
Conclusion
The Canadian debut of Rivian’s Electric Delivery Vehicles marks a pivotal step in both Amazon’s green logistics transformation and Rivian’s international growth trajectory. Together, the companies are redefining what sustainable delivery looks like—one fleet, one city, and one electric van at a time.
As the global logistics sector accelerates toward decarbonization, the success of the Amazon-Rivian partnership sets a benchmark for other corporations to follow. Beyond reducing emissions, it showcases how innovation-driven partnerships can drive operational excellence and environmental stewardship simultaneously.
With continued expansion on the horizon and technological refinements in progress, Rivian and Amazon are steering the delivery industry into a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable era—proving that the road to a greener planet begins right at the doorstep of the world’s consumers.