50 custom-built Rivian electric vehicles hit the road in Vancouver
Amazon has launched its first fleet of electric delivery vehicles (EDVs) in Canada, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing its transportation operations nationwide. The initiative begins with 50 custom-built Rivian electric vans now operating in Greater Vancouver.
The new vehicles, stationed at Amazon’s DYV1 delivery hub in Delta, B.C., represent the company’s ongoing efforts to transition toward a net-zero carbon future. The rollout is part of Amazon’s broader sustainability strategy aligned with The Climate Pledge, a global initiative the company co-founded in 2019, committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
“This is our first major initiative targeting the decarbonization of our local delivery fleet,” said Eva Lorenz, vice president and country manager, Amazon Canada. “We know that investing in solutions that reduce our impact on the environment also has benefits for our customers, employees and business partners.”
The EDVs are being used by two local Amazon Delivery Service Partners. According to Amazon, the new vehicles are designed with enhanced safety, comfort, and efficiency features aimed at improving working conditions for delivery drivers and reducing community-level emissions.
Workplace safety and design features
The Rivian vans are equipped with several driver-focused safety and ergonomic improvements, including:
- 360-degree visibility and sensor detection systems.
- Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and collision warnings.
- Integrated Amazon delivery software, streamlining navigation and package management.
- Automatic door locking/unlocking and powered internal bulkhead doors to reduce repetitive motions.
- Ventilated seats and a custom ergonomic interior, intended to reduce fatigue and support long delivery shifts.
“We’ve engineered this vehicle to be the superior choice for fleets,” said Tom Solomon, vice president of B2B growth and business development at Rivian. “Safety, comfort, and sustainability were built into every detail.”
Global and local impact
The Canadian deployment is part of Amazon’s commitment to have 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from Rivian in operation globally by 2030. To date, over 35,000 electric vehicles are already in service worldwide, delivering more than 1.5 billion packages with zero tailpipe emissions.
“This initiative reflects Amazon’s broader mission to build a transportation network that works for our customers, our communities, and our planet,” said Jasmin Begagic, director of Amazon Logistics (AMZL) Canada.
The rollout in Vancouver is expected to provide immediate emissions reductions in urban neighbourhoods, where last-mile delivery traffic can have disproportionate environmental and health impacts.
