Although the environmentally friendly prime delivery truck customized by rivian for Amazon is not much different from the previous Amazon delivery truck in appearance, in addition to promoting the environmental movement, the prime delivery truck also provides many rich functions.
Previously, Amazon's distribution fleet was mainly composed of Gasoline Fueled models, such as Mercedes Benz sprinter, RAM promaster and Ford Transit. Although these vehicles certainly have enough capacity to complete the work, they do not completely simplify things for Amazon's climate commitment, which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
In 2020, Amazon cooperated with rivian, an electric vehicle start-up company, and ordered 100000 customized delivery vehicles. By 2021, these all electric trucks will be deployed on the streets of Los Angeles for some initial delivery. Of course, rivian's Amazon delivery truck does have some features, reminiscent of the company's old fleet, especially its frame and color scheme.
For a vehicle whose main function is to transport packages from point a to point B, rivian's prime van is equipped with many luxurious facilities. Due to the cooperation between rivian and Amazon's own delivery driver, the design of the final product makes the work of transporting packages easier and convenient.
● the roof can be equipped with UAV system in the future
It is reported that one of the more future functions considered by rivian's delivery truck includes a UAV system that can deploy packages from the roof. Although this is not part of rivian Prime's current fleet, it does have climate controlled seats as standard, including heated armrests and steering wheel.
● electric defrosting
Its windshield is also embedded with grid wires, which can defrost in case of snow.
● powerful central control system
However, this car is designed as an electric dashboard with multiple digital display screens. These panels show not only the rear of the vehicle, but also its side, making it easier for the driver to operate in narrow conditions.
● built in Alexa voice assistant
What makes the van even cooler is that it is equipped with an integrated Amazon Alexa virtual assistant. In Amazon's YouTube display, it will do so when it is told to turn off the interior lights. This makes sense considering that Amazon has embedded Alexa in many of its products.
● focus on safety
Amazon's all electric delivery vehicle is manufactured with consideration not only to the environment, but also to the safety of drivers and surrounding pedestrians. According to rivian, first of all, they are equipped with various cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, which can realize automatic emergency braking and standby assistance. Its brake lights are "oversized" to give pedestrians and other vehicles nearby a better view.
According to Amazon's conceptual design of youtube video, other expanded functions include the huge windshield and side window of the rivian prime van, which provides maximum visibility, not to mention the space on the roof is enough for the driver to stand inside, which is very useful for rapid entry, exit and package handling on the back.
As Motortrend points out, in order to ensure better protection of drivers and customers' goods, the electric prime delivery truck adopts a steel frame, which is much stronger than the aluminum body used by rivian's luxury R1s SUV.
According to rivian, it took less than a year from a concept to a complete prototype. With its reinforced chassis, sensor array and comfortable facilities, rivian's Amazon delivery vehicle looks like a vehicle designed to provide protection and service. Its smile complements Amazon's trademark logo.