Amazon introduces its first custom electric delivery vehicle

The world's largest online retailer Amazon has announced 10,000 custom electric delivery vehicles will be on the road delivering to customers worldwide as early as 2022, with all 100,000 vehicles being electric by 2030 in support of The Climate Pledge commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040.

Amazon have worked with American automaker and automotive technology company Rivian to speed up the move towards a fully-electric fleet and together they invented a vehicle that features industry-leading safety, navigation and design features, including:

  • State-of-the-art sensor detection, a suite of highway and traffic assist technology, and a large windshield to enhance driver visibility.
  • Exterior cameras around the vehicle that are linked to a digital display inside the cabin, giving the driver a 360-degree view outside the vehicle.
  • Alexa integration for hands-free access to route information and the latest weather updates.
  • A strengthened door on the driver’s side for additional protection.
  • A “dancefloor” inside the driver’s cabin for easy movement inside the van.
  • Bright tail lights surrounding the rear of the vehicle to easily detect braking.
  • Three levels of shelving with a bulkhead door, which can easily be opened and closed for additional driver protection while on the road.

In support of The Climate Pledge, Amazon is committed to creating a delivery fleet that helps reach its goal to be net zero carbon across its operations by 2040. To achieve that, Amazon is transforming its transportation network around the world by inventing new electrification solutions and using alternative delivery methods. 

Amazon currently operates hundreds of electric vehicles worldwide and has invested in electric vehicle charging stations for its partners to use, with plans to expand this infrastructure. The company announced that its adding 1,800 electric delivery vehicles this year to its fleet in Europe and is also adding 10,000 electric delivery vehicles to its fleet in India, operating in over 20 cities by 2025. In the EU, Amazon also uses e-cargo bikes for deliveries in some urban centres and operates 200 e-cargo bikes in the New York City area.