Rivian Automotive, Inc. and AT&T have announced that AT&T will purchase Rivian electric vehicles (EVs) for the telecommunication company’s fleet through a pilot program aimed at cutting transport emissions. The pilot will allow AT&T to explore new paths in its electrification journey, which is expected to contribute toward the company’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035.

To reduce its fleet emissions in support of the carbon-neutral commitment, AT&T’s strategy includes optimizing routes, switching to hybrids and EVs, and reducing the overall size of its fleet. The company also uses AI to make its fleet more efficient. Overall, it drives 20% fewer miles each year, reducing emissions by 51 million lb.

AT&T expects to begin adding Rivian’s Commercial Van and R1 vehicles to its fleet in early 2024 to evaluate the various ways the EVs help improve safety, reduce costs, and cut its carbon footprint. In addition, the telecommunications company has become the exclusive connectivity provider to all Rivian vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, enabling a smarter and safer driving experience.

“This pilot is another important step in our ongoing efforts toward sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint, and embracing a cleaner future for our operations,” said Hardmon Williams, SVP at AT&T Connected Solutions. “With advanced connectivity and a vision for a sustainable future, Rivian is setting the standard for the evolving demands of modern transportation.”

The Rivian Commercial Van is designed to prioritize safety, sustainability, and ownership cost. It runs with Rivian’s in-house software stack which underpins the fleet management system, improving efficiency and contributing to a lower total cost of ownership. Rivian uses over-the-air software updates to improve its vehicles with new features that elevate the driving experience for its customers.

“Our category-defining vehicles offer some of the most advanced technology in the sector and are continually improved through over-the-air updates,” said Dagan Mishoulam, VP of Strategy & Fleet at Rivian.

It didn’t take long for Rivian to announce its first commercial in addition to its big financial backer, Amazon. In November, the company launched its Commercial Van to businesses across the U.S. in 2024.

Building on the same platform as the Amazon Electric Delivery Van, and the online retailer’s commitment to bring 100,000 EDVs to the road by 2030, Rivian says that the opportunity to deploy its Commercial Van with other companies across the country could help fleets save millions of metric tons of carbon per year across their communities.

“Around a quarter of CO2 emitted in the U.S. transportation sector comes from commercial vans,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s Chief Executive Officer. “We can make a real difference in helping businesses reduce their carbon output, to help make our cities and our planet less polluted.”

Rivian says that companies around the world have “expressed strong interest” in its Commercial Van as they look to reduce their CO2 output. To maximize environmental impact, the van maker is initially prioritizing larger fleet requests and will begin small-scale deployments in 2024 before scaling up deliveries in 2025.

Designed to set a new standard for safety, sustainability, and ownership cost, Rivian says its van is equipped to be one of the safest and most technologically advanced vehicles on the road. The standard safety features include sophisticated driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, three airbags, a 360-degree camera system, and ultrasonic sensors to support Driver+ assist technology.

Rivian has two versions of the Commercial Van. The smaller Delivery 500 model is intended for city streets and tight corners and the larger Delivery 700 version is for more cargo and extra storage. Both are front-wheel drive. They have 161 and 153-mi (259- and 246-km) estimated ranges, 9350- and 9500-lb (4240- and 4310-kg) GVWRs, and 2734- and 2513-lb (1240- and 1140-kg) payloads, respectively.

The van’s charge port supports AC and DC fast chargers, with J1772 and CCS1 combo charging allowing for flexibility in infrastructure strategies. An intelligent battery management system enables charging up to 100 kW.

Distinctive exterior lighting is by advanced LED headlight technology for “a friendly facade” and rear halo safety lighting to maximize visibility for other drivers. The Delivery 500 and 700 are about the same height at 114.7 and 114.8 in (2913 and 2916 mm) tall, but most other dimensions are expanded for the 700. The two are 96.4 and 103.5 in (2449 and 2629 mm) wide with mirrors and 248.5 and 278.0 in (6312 and 7061 mm) long, with 157.5- and 187.0-in (4000- and 4750-mm) wheelbases and 487 and 652 ft³ (13,790 and 18,460 L) cargo volumes.

Rivian says it worked closely with drivers through the design process, with the van’s design focusing on efficiency and ergonomics for the driver. Features include a sliding curb-side door for easy access and increased safety, a rear roll-up door, an automated bulk-head door, and a heated steering wheel. The well-lit interior has a walk-in height up to 6’10”.

Controls are easily accessible from the steering wheel while driving, and driver visibility and comfort are aided by a patented and energy-saving microclimate, heated and cooled seat. The van is said to have one of the largest center displays of any light-duty commercial vehicle, and the cabin features two wireless charging pads and “ample” storage throughout.

Delivery of Rivian Commercial Vans will start in 2024. Pricing may vary, but the list for the Delivery 500 and 700 starts are $83,000 and $87,000, respectively, with up to $7500 in U.S. federal tax credits. Rivian will make several options available, including shelving and flooring, with upfit solutions.

Rivian’s in-house software stack controls nearly every interaction, from unlocking the vehicle and automatically opening the bulk-head door, to charging and acceleration controls. This enables the company to provide easy access to critical fleet information including real-time data and remote commands, driver and vehicle insights, alerts, and analytics. The tools are aimed at streamlining fleet ownership and minimizing costs while increasing safety and productivity.

For more info on Rivian’s commercial offerings, visit its fleet page.