E-commerce giant Amazon is set to introduce its first fleet of European vans manufactured by U.S. electric vehicle (EV) maker Rivian in Germany in the coming weeks. This move is part of Amazon’s ambitious long-term plan to transition its transportation network to electric vehicles.
On Tuesday, Amazon announced that it will deploy 300 electric vans in the Munich, Berlin, and Dusseldorf regions. These vans are part of a larger 100,000-vehicle order that Amazon placed with Rivian in 2019. As the largest shareholder in Rivian, Amazon has been actively collaborating with the EV maker to revolutionize its delivery fleet.
To adapt to the unique needs of European cities, Rivian and Amazon have designed a specially-tailored van that is shorter and thinner compared to its U.S. counterpart. This modification ensures the vans can efficiently navigate the narrow streets and congested urban areas prevalent in Europe.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, Amazon has dedicated more than 1 billion euros (USD 1.1 billion) to electrifying its fleet in Europe. Out of this amount, 400 million euros have been allocated specifically for the electrification efforts in Germany, reflecting the importance of the German market to the company’s operations.
Amazon’s collaboration with Rivian gained momentum last year when the online retailer began deploying Rivian vans in the United States. Presently, more than 3,000 vans are operational, delivering packages in over 500 cities and regions across the country. The success of the initial rollout has encouraged Amazon to set an ambitious target of having 100,000 Rivian vehicles in its global fleet by the year 2030.
The introduction of electric vans in Germany marks a significant step forward in Amazon’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable transportation solutions. By electrifying its delivery fleet, Amazon aims to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and combat the environmental impact associated with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This initiative aligns with the global shift toward clean energy and reinforces Amazon’s position as a leader in the e-commerce and logistics industry.
