Rivian Signs AT&T as First Electric Commercial Van Customer Outside of Amazon Deal

US telecom provider AT&T is to purchase Rivian Automotive's electric vehicles (EVs) for fleet through a pilot programme aimed at cutting transport emissions. AT&T is Rivian's first customer for its Electric Commercial Van since the announcement of the end of an exclusive deal with Amazon.

AT&T expects to begin adding the Rivian Commercial Van and R1 vehicles to its fleet in early 2024 to begin evaluating the various ways these vehicles help improve safety, reduce costs and cut its carbon footprint.

The Rivian Commercial Van features including automatic emergency braking, collision warnings and 360-degree visibility.

The vehicles run with Rivian's in-house software stack which underpins the fleet management system, improving efficiency and contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.

AT&T is the exclusive provider of connectivity to all Rivian vehicles, in the US and Canada.

With AT&T connectivity, Rivian uses over-the-air (OTA) software updates to improve its vehicles with new features.

Dagan Mishoulam, VP, Strategy & Fleet at Rivian, says: “We couldn’t be happier to collaborate with AT&T as we work together to help cut emissions and protect our environment. Around a quarter of CO2 emitted in the transportation sector in the US comes from commercial vans, so it’s imperative we do all we can as soon as possible to help cut emissions. Our category defining vehicles offer some of the most advanced technology in the sector and are continually improved through over-the-air updates. We’re very much looking forward to expanding our relationship with AT&T to help them achieve their climate goals.”

Hardmon Williams, SVP, AT&T Connected Solutions, adds: “We’re excited to purchase Rivian EVs for our fleet. This pilot is another important step in our ongoing efforts toward sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint and embracing a cleaner future for our operations. With advanced connectivity and a vision for a sustainable future, Rivian is setting the standard for the evolving demands of modern transportation.”

Rivian designs, develops, and manufactures electric vehicles and accessories, and sells them directly to customers in the consumer and commercial markets.