Would You Drive The Funky Electric Rivian Van?
26/02/2025 09:18 Share
Would You Drive The Funky Electric Rivian Van?
For all of Tesla’s appeal, save for the Cybertruck – which cannot be sold in the UK for several reasons – Elon Musk’s precocious firm has swerved any attempts to conquer the commercial sector in the same way it has transformed the passenger car market.
However, while Tesla can take credit for stimulating a revolution in EV technology across the board – leading to a litany of new electric van options, such as the Ford E-Transit Custom, Renault Master E-Tech and Citroen e-Berlingo – to date there have been few attempts to inject the same level of technological sophistication into the segment.
Of course, there is the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo already available, while it will soon be joined by the Kia PV5, but what if you need a large van? Charge forth, the Rivian EDV.
Who Are Rivian?
Rivian was founded in 2009 but didn’t put its first creation – the Rivian R1T pick-up – on sale in the United States until 2021.
Much like Tesla, Rivian was founded under the philosophy of developing premium electric vehicles, but unlike its fellow American counterparts, it has focused its attentions on developing SUVs, led by the R1 and R2.
Since then, however, Rivian has expanded its portfolio to include a commercial and fleet business with its own electric Rivian Van, which you might have spotted in promo shots for Amazon Prime after it struck a deal with the company to act as the vehicle of choice for deliveries in the United States and in parts of Europe.
In 2024, Rivian received a major funding boost after it was announced the VW Group would invest a mammoth $5bn in the company to develop electrical architecture and software technology.
What Is The Rivian Van?
While the origins of the Rivian EDV were borne from an exclusive deal to supply only to Amazon – leading to a supply of 20,000 being made to the retail powerhouse – the American firm has since reverted to consumer and fleet sales.
Built around the RCV platform – which also underpins the R1T, a pick-up capable of almost 1000bhp in its flagship guise – the Rivian EDV is available in three guises; EDV-500, EDV-700 and EDV-900.
The nomenclature refers to the size – 6.3, 7.1 and 8.2 metres in length respectively – making them slightly longer than the equivalent Ford Transit MWB and LWB. The EDV-500 supplied in Europe is slightly narrower than its US counterpart.
The EDV range is front-wheel drive and direct power to an in-house developed single ‘Enduro’ motor on the front-axle. The battery has a lithium iron phosphate chemistry with a target range of 150 miles.
Boasting futuristic styling, complete with LED headlights and a piano-black front fascia, the Rivian EDV differs from most vans on sale by having a deep entry point for the driver for more convenient access, while the cargo door slides up and within the lining of the roof much like a garage door.
Will The Rivian Van Be Available In The UK?
There are some conflictions when determining whether the Rivian EDV will reach UK shores. It is known Rivian has slated a full-scale launch in 2027 when it launches its smallest model, the R3.
However, it believed to be using the EDV for a soft launch of the brand by making the vehicle available to fleet customers. This could happen as early as this year to allow Rivian to assess such a move.
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