Rivian is exploring the possibility of ending their exclusivity agreement with Amazon for the sale of their commercial all-electric vans, according to the Wall Street Journal. If successful, it would allow Rivian to sell the vans to other customers. Talks between the two companies are ongoing.
Amazon holds a 17% stake in Rivian and had originally ordered 100,000 vans for their own use in 2021. Rivian started producing the vans in December 2021 and Amazon officially launched their rollout the following year. Preproduction versions of the vans have been tested in several U.S. cities since 2021.
When contacted, Amazon stated that the exclusivity deal was still intact but that they wanted others to benefit from Rivian’s technology. They also emphasized that their relationship with Rivian remained positive.
A spokesperson for Rivian echoed this sentiment, stating that their relationship with Amazon was still strong and that they were navigating the changing economic landscape together.