Rivian’s Electric Delivery Van (EDV) is set to gain greater range and enhanced capability, extending both how far and where it can operate.
Rivian’s Electric Delivery Van, commonly referred to as the EDV, has become an increasingly familiar presence on U.S. roads. Since 2021, Amazon, initially the exclusive customer, has taken delivery of more than 30,000 units. In 2025, the EDV reportedly outsold competing electric delivery vans.
Up to now, the van has been primarily suited to dense urban routes. With front-wheel drive and modest range figures, its use has centered on high-density delivery networks.
That is poised to change. In its latest shareholder letter, Rivian confirmed that it is developing new EDV variants with larger battery packs and all-wheel drive, enabling greater range and improved performance in less accessible areas.
Introduced in 2021, the current EDV lineup is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive, powered by a 320-horsepower motor. A 100 kWh battery pack provides an estimated range of 161 miles for the smaller 500 variant and 160 miles for the larger 700 model.
These figures have proven sufficient for urban delivery routes but constrain operations in suburban or rural regions. The front-wheel-drive layout can also present challenges in adverse weather or on unpaved surfaces.
Rivian’s upcoming enhancements aim to address these constraints directly. The company is developing a higher-capacity battery expected to deliver approximately 30% more range, potentially increasing maximum range to about 209 miles.
In addition, a new all-wheel-drive configuration is planned, likely incorporating a second motor on the rear axle. Rivian states that these changes will “expand EDV route coverage in Amazon’s network,” suggesting that the upgrades are tailored to meet Amazon’s evolving logistical needs as it continues to expand its zero-emission delivery fleet.
While Rivian has not disclosed a specific launch date for the updated EDV, further details are anticipated in 2026. The coming year is expected to be significant for the automaker.
Pre-production builds of the R2, Rivian’s smaller and more affordable electric SUV, commenced in January at its Normal, Illinois facility. Customer deliveries are projected to begin in the second quarter.
The R2 will also introduce new in-house technologies, including Rivian’s third-generation hands-off driver assistance system and its high-performance RAP1 processor. These systems are scheduled to debut in the midsize SUV later in 2026, reinforcing Rivian’s broader push to enhance both hardware and software across its product lineup.
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