The Rivian Electric Amazon Delivery Van Is Highly Innovative and Incredibly Cool 

Never would I have thought I would enjoy a half hour long video about a delivery van, but that's Doug for you.

Rivian should definitely do a camper version. It goes well with their adventure vehicle lineup.

Being a "car guy" my entire life, I never thought I'd be more interested in watching a 30 minute video about a delivery van instead of watching a video about a supercar. Lol

The back up noise was actually changed to "White noise" because the beeping tone is difficult to pinpoint direction wise, but the static sound can be detected from a specific location for blind people. They tested it on White Rabbit Project, I thought it was a brilliant change.

Amazon Driver here, just wanted to share a few minor corrections and additions: -4:56 we enter and exit the van upwards of 250 times a day, sometimes more. -13:14 we cannot drink or touch anything while driving, an AI camera would tag us for distracted driving. -14:44 We tend to be back there a lot and it can be up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than outside. no other vans have these fans back there. Also, we don't know what's in the packages but yes things tend to melt back there. -26:49 Our acceleration is tracked and we can get hit for "hard acceleration" so I don't think we'll get to use that too often.

The designer of this van is a genius. All of those little changes like opening the storage room door Automatically, and the chair being higher so you don't have to stand up to get out of the chair, will save a little bit of energy for the drivers as well. I'm sure it will be a huge quality of life improvement for the workers.

I drive for Amazon and I’m trained on the EDV. It is amazing compared to the other branded gas vans we have! I didn’t know about the 3 step thing but yeah that would’ve been super annoying haha😅. I use that passenger door at least 200+ times a day, a normal route has 190+ stops which means ~250 houses/businesses. The motorized door is so nice, wish the passenger one was motorized too! I’ve used every grab handle. Visibility is much better, also thanks to the cameras, than our gas vans. I’ve never had to use the sun visors interestingly, even in late afternoon 🤷‍♂️. Hazard light button is an innovation. I’m looking forward to the cargo fan come the warm months. The Amazon route system is kinda bad but having it shown on the large van screen is pretty helpful. CORRECTION TO DOUG There is a radio, you push the button on the upper left corner of the screen just above the phone icon, it lets me listen to the news while I drive😊 I still just use my AirPods most of the time though😅. THAT’S A WIRESLESS CHARGING PAD!?!?!😱😱🤯 then why is my iPhone 13 Pro max not charged at the end of the day? I’ll try positioning my phone differently at work tomorrow because if it is a charging pad then sir you just made me love these EDVs even more! The SOS button actually contacts Amazon emergency services who will then contact 911 if they deem it necessary, at least that’s what my training videos said. I didn’t know what the camera button did and I’ve been too scared to push it haha so thanks for telling me. The cameras and sensors are amazing and I feel so comfortable driving with all the visibility and the normal gassers don’t even have cruise control so ACC is just next freaking level. Oh yeah the interior space is honestly my favorite thing because in a gas van I’d hit my head every 2 seconds seconds, never had that problem in the EDV. The shelves work great for all my totes and packages. The garage door is cool but I only use it 2-3 times a day and for loading/unloading (we load our own vans, which shocks a lot of people). I don’t know how accurate this is but I’ve heard that the reverse sound is also referred to as a white noise sound, and is not only less annoying but can be pin pointed better by our ears since it echoes off houses and buildings less. Yea I definitely feel more connected to my EDV for the day vs the gassers it is cute. Wait it’s that easy to fill up the washer fluid? Then why is almost every van I drive out of washer fluid!!!! Bruhsoundeffect.mp3 The front wheel drive is fine on road and definitely has some get up and go, I daily drive a muscle car so I know power ;) however this is one area where the gassers have the EDVs beat. The gassers while also FWD are better in the snow due to the fact that the EDV will cut power to the wheels when it detects one wheel is just spinning without traction. So even if I have one wheel on dry pavement and one in the snow, deeper snow mind you 3-6 inches, the van will be basically stuck because it won’t send power to the wheel on the pavement. In a gasser you just turn off traction control and give’r the beans. Range really is fine, I normally take the farther out routes so from leaving the warehouse it’s ~30 miles just to get to my first stop which means ~30 miles back, I normally plug in with 45%-50% left at the end of the day. Thanks for the great video Doug! I’ve had quite a few customers ask me about the EDV and I’m sure they’ve seen your video with how interested and knowledgeable they seem! I’m glad we have these vans at Amazon because I love it so much more than the gas vans, even if just for the fact that I don’t hit my head every 2 seconds! A lot of us drivers have considered or have lived the “van life” meaning living out of a van you’ve converted. Driving one of the Rivian EDVs makes me wish that it was available to the public so that I could make a “van life” van out of one. Although it’d probably cost way more than I’d want to spend haha😂. I hope that in a few years we’ll see these EDVs used on the marketplace, I’m sure people will find some way to get their hands on ‘em, just to see what the community would do if given the chance to own something like the Amazon EDV.

That backup beeper isn't just designed to not be annoying, it's designed after white noise so you can tell what direction the vehicle is coming from even in an echoey environment due to the ways the echoes interfere with each other.

The back up noise is not only designed to be less annoying, it’s also designed to be more efficient. It allows passers-by to localise it much easier. The old beep sound is actually terrible for localisation.

150 to 180 miles on full charge is very good for a delivery vehicle. The second small window at the top helps vent out the moisture so in winter your windshield doesn't get foggy from the inside. You only need to open that window for a few minutes at a time.

I love that Rivian gave their engineers and product managers latitude to get all the little features right but I bet the R&D spend on this was INSANE.

The self opening doors not only save a couple of tenths of seconds, I would imagine that its probably also very annoying to manually open 2 doors for every single package you deliver. Probably a huge relief to have them!

As a former FedEx employee, I find it hilarious that such a huge chunk of the video is just standard features of a typical delivery truck, but Doug still manages to keep it interesting for those who wouldn’t be familiar. The changes this thing does have are crazy though.

Rivian's attention to detail is pretty impressive.

Saw one the other day and literally was amazed. Even more now seeing all the practical features inside for the intended driver. So clearly a big W for Rivian, Amazon, and their overworked dsp drivers.

FYI, the features meant to save time are actually meant to be more energy efficient for the driver. Taking one more step up, having to open and close a sliding door, it's all energy that a driver relies on to do their job. Amazon and all other delivery companies have a huge issue with their drivers keeping their energy level to do their job. Minimizing their physical tasks keeps them working longer and effectively.

As an ex DPD driver, this van would be a game changer compared to the vans we used (reno's, fiat's and ford's) That van would've made our lifes so much easier and much more comfortable, just the fact that you could reach the parcels without exiting the van is awesome. And the rear garage door is genious especially in tight places where you couldn't open both doors all the way.

As a former Amazon delivery driver, I can confirm that I would sometimes have over 250 packages and 200 stops in a single day. This video really makes me wish I had stayed to use this van at least for a little while. This van would have definitely dramatically increased my productivity and comfort. having to insert a key, start the engine and shift out of part adds 30 sec to each stop which adds up when each stop takes only a minute. Also, the cooling seats really helps when it is 110° F or more out. With the dark paint, I've measured the interior at over 140°.

I love how he talks about walking through the step up door probably about 100 times. Let's go with closer to 300 times. On average for my delivery company we have daily stop count of 180/190 stops. That is not including what amazon calls group stops of multiple package locations per stop. So actually daily stop count average can be closer to 250 to maybe 270 stops per my observation.

I like how Rivian is trying to make the lives of overworked Amazon workers a tiny bit easier and more ergonomic. Good for them, I hope they make it in the ever growing electric car competition

I think Rivian did a really good job taking in the input of the drivers for designing the van, there are clear quality of life changes for the driver, plus anything that makes it more efficient is positive in amazon's books since they work these drivers to the bone......

Saw a delivery driver with one of these about a month ago. I struck up a conversation with him and he showed me around! His favorite feature was the divider door thing closing automatically when he walked about 15 feet away.

I love purpose built vehicles like this and the thought process behind the design choices

Just waiting for Rivian to discover that their primary market for their trucks are also attracted to vanlife and this van is perfect for vanlife (can stand up inside without roof modification, huge win just right there) These will definitely eventually go to more than just Amazon, assuming Rivian survives long enough to do it

I worked as a Driver Helper for UPS during the holiday season when I was younger, as far as I know this is pretty commonplace (to utilize the second seat) for delivery companies when they have major hotspots, as they can deliver twice as many packages at once out of the same vehicle. That being said, I can't even begin to tell you how well thought-out this vehicle is. They've kept the basic framework drivers are familiar with but they've made massive improvements implementing new technologies. Really cool to see. I bet all the drivers can't wait their turn to get to pilot one of these bad boys around daily.

No... the theory behind that kind of sound is that it is wide band sound. It is made from a lot of frequencies and not only on tone beep. So people with part hearing aid can still be warned.

As an Amazon Driver and been driving the EDV for almost 2 months they do have a AM/FM radio its right above the phone on the music setting. Also the Wireless charger doesnt work when you have an Iphone with a case and when taking the case off it still didn't charge lol I do have Iphone 13 Pro Max so idk. Also the small little red lights in the back where back up lights are the red lights come on if you turn on rear fog lights and those lights turn on, pretty cool

I’ve been a delivery driver for many years for Amazon and recently left. It is so cool to see this van, every thing I’ve complained about is fixed. I will say it for the first time. Good job amazon

As an Amazon driver I would love to drive this over the older vans Amazon has. It's different and unique.

Great Job explaining the cool features of this EDV. Rivian has done a fantastic job of execution of features in this van for Amazon needs and wants.

Interesting engineering design. The modularity is really key it seems. That way they can expand to overseas markets and use the same design for larger/smaller versions. Cool!

the design team at Rivian for this van has done an incredible job!

As a former delivery driver in the Netherlands, this is amazing! Literally saves so much time. We had old Fiat busses with no door inbetween, no sliding doors on the passenger sides, whatsoever. This bus is a gamechanger, I think other brands will adopt a lot of the stuff on this bus for the european market.

Wow. I would work for Amazon, if I got to drive that! As a postal carrier driving 40 year old, non air conditioned, hot boxes referred to as “convection ovens” in summer time. This is amazing.

Holy hell I don't even comment on RU-vid videos but I had to. Blown away by how innovative Rivian is. Kudos to them.

Doug is the kinda person who will one day turn the delivery van into his personal camper.

This is how you do it Elmo. Rivian knew exactly what the customer and drivers need and they actually delivered a product.

This is great. I can really see how it's fully optimized for deliveries. I can see tour bus and RV versions of this van coming soon. Even ambulances.

Will be driving these in the coming weeks out in riverside CA. Cant wait.

As a former Amazon driver, this custom-designed vehicle is very pleasing. ESPECIALLY having cruise control. No branded Transit and Promaster vans have cruise control and Amazon has an app that monitors your speed. Having cruise control in this is a godsend. I really hope Rivian makes an AWD version for the northern and midwest areas of the US. Snow gets insane up here and the branded vans would CONSTANTLY get stuck.

Despite never being a delivery driver, I was so excited to see this video! I love the giant grab handles for the rear step. The HVAC vent only for the driver seat makes a lot of sense, because they'll often be driving around with the passenger side door open, so most of the HVAC effort would be puffing right out the open door.

pretty cool. nice to see them investing in making their delivery experience more efficient and hopefully better for the drivers

Amazon Driver here! SUPER excited to phase in the EDVs at my station! You said upwards of a hundred times per day stepping in and out… usually it’s closer to 200, sometimes up to 280!

The back sensor makes perfect sense. As someone who has spent a lot of time around heavy equipment, the first noise you disregard and ignore is the backup alarm. The vans backup alarm is so different that it is virtually impossible to become a noise that you automatically block out, making it 1000x more effective.

Had one of these pull up at a four-way stop near my house last week. First impression was an Amazon spaceship with a very happy driver (he was literally grinning ear to ear).

I was driving down the highway a couple of days ago and saw a semi pulling three of these on a trailer I was amazed.. I also recently saw a rivian electric truck driving down the street the other day and I think they look really cool.

I'd buy one in a heartbeat when they offer them to the public. Vehicles like his are exactly what the EV market needs.

Sure is instantly recognizable and iconic. And yes, it is a pleasant design! I have seen only these in the Chicago suburbs for months now. None of the older style vans.

This would be a perfect base for a camper van! I hope Rivian developes this van for other purposes in the future when they have delivered all the vans Amazon ordered!

There's obviously a lot of thought put into this build; and great to know that real Amazon drivers were interviewed for the build process. Love it, and great job reviewing the van, Doug!

Starting to see more of these in Dallas. I love it.

As someone who’s recovering from an ACL injury on the job from my Amazon van having a damaged step I appreciate it being built in. Also having the fan in the back is a god send

main theory behind the new beep is that the annoying one is hard to hear exactly where is it coming from. It was developed on the construction sites where can be multiple backing machines and you cant hear which is moving.

Pretty cool that Amazon & Rivian made a delivery van that makes the people working and delivering a little easier. I will say that the front of it reminds me of the small Honda EV that came out a few years ago, almost identical. I also have to say that the backing up noise is much more annoying. Crazy that’s what they came up with.

OMG I’ve been waiting for someone to review this. I’ve been seeing the Amazon van situation and it looks so cute.

Speckled Amazon-colored flooring, the slip-resistant steps, removal of 3rd step to improve efficiency, automatic doors upon P or D etc, all super cool stuff

Major w for Rivian. They're starting to grow on me. They made me want a delivery van lol

As a FedEx driver I would love something like this. I'm stuck in a Ford Transit 250 which I'm happy with but man this looks so convenient. I could complete my routes way quicker with this minor details.

When a delivery van is more thoughtfully laid-out than *Tesla* cars. The van has a gauge cluster behind the steering wheel, the horn is huge and in the middle of the steering wheel, the steering wheel is not a yoke.

I used this van 2 times and I fell in love with it. Makes me excited to go to work. Lol

Oh man. It’s been years since I’ve checked out Doug’s channel. I had a massive smile on my face hearing that introduction again. So happy to see Doug still doing the same, amazing content he always has. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

I've seen some around the Pittsburgh, PA area. I really like how the designers did so much research with the people who would actually use it.

It's honestly really well designed and actually looks quite comfortable to drive & use for work.

Rivian definitely has a bright future especially working with Amazon like this, I see Rivian sticking around for at least a few decades.

24:11 the special backup alarm is called a broadband backup alarm. That frequently is OSHA approved to warn people at risk of getting run over, but doesn't travel as far to bother people who aren't at risk. Glad they went with this.

this van is honestly a beautiful design. Well done Rivian.

It's nice to get an inside look at what brings my packages so slowly and late.

This would make a pretty cool camper van conversion

When it comes to unique vehicles, Doug delivers.

Love the simplicity and efficiency in design of this thing. For the front end they wanted something cute and friendly as Doug mentions, so they just looked at other electric cars and took the front end of a Honda e, which is basically the cutest electric car around.

Very interesting indeed. I can’t wait to see when Canada (Ontario) gets these vans for delivery. I’m guessing that Amazon actually consulted with some of their drivers to get their input for design. It looks to me that the rear perimeter is built like it may be an absorbing crash zone too. Nice run through Doug.👍👍🇨🇦

Great thought went into these vehicles. Congratulations on a job well done.

That time savings on the steps is really incredible. It only takes 1,800 uses to save 3 minutes. That means it only takes a month to earn yourself a bathroom break! Month and a half if you wanna wipe.

Currently watching this while delivering for Amazon. This is definitely a big upgrade from the ProMaster Amazon vans. I’ve been driving a normal Mercedes Sprinter for awhile now and have driven every cargo van option on the market. These technologies and QOL features will definitely help us drivers tremendously and it’s nice that Amazon is finally investing more into their drivers.

That reversing noise has been common (in the UK at least) for about a decade. It's directional, the problem with the beeps is they can easily eco off things, but that white noise can only come from one source, the ecos distort and aren't as audible! A second benifit of this is its easier to tell where a reversing vehicle is, on a building site where you could have lots of these at once the beeps were basically useless, but this noise litterally saved lives!

Seeing these driving around more and more

I work for fedex, plus I have formally worked for UPS and USPS. Watching this video is really cool because it shows the future of the career path. Our trucks are much much older, with Much less visibility, power and comfort. Things like heated seats and wireless chargers as well as the door opening when you place the truck in park are all massive quality of life improvements. This is basically a dream van for us here at fedex, ups and USPS. Some other differences include the SOS button, for those of us delivering in bad areas this is a great idea. Plus the less steps means less pressure on the knees when entering and exiting the van. All said, this is going to be awesome for Amazon drivers.

I’m amazed at how quick they got these on the road and EVERYWHERE. Amazon truly is a scary corporation

I've seen many of these vans in my area of Texas. Was actually wondering what manufacturer built them. Thanks for the video.

2/17/24 I just came back from Houston and these things were everywhere! I told myself, I need to go back and watch this review!

Pretty cool stuff here. One thing that did stand out to me was the latching mechanism for the interior cargo door. It's a big metal piece that sticks out from the edge of the door that looks easy to run into and get caught up on. If they reversed it and had the door slide a bit into the wall, they could get rid of a potential injury causing obstruction.

Only Doug could get in depth talking about a step in a van and still keep it interesting.

Nearly 5 million subs with no cameraman, legend

I saw one the other day. It looks very nice in person.

this auto-opening feature is brilliant. Not only opens the doors automatically, but also gives the driver visual confirmation that the car is in the parking position. As I understand it, the parking position in such a car has an additional security in the form of an automatically applied brake. I worked as a delivery driver in past and I know that despite the habit of applying the brake, I sometimes had anxiety whether the brake was actually applied

I drive a van for work, and this thing would be absolutely amazing. The work is a mix of service, maintenance, and delivery. I can tell you this would save countless hours over a year. Between the doors, space, and safety features this thing is just amazing in terms of efficiency and utility. Really wish these would make it to the "civilian" market.

Just watched the Doug awards and had to watch this. This is awesome!

Just saw one of these for the first time on the road today! A lot bigger than I expected!

This is honestly really cool how much thought was put into this van to be more delivery driver-friendly. I can’t wait to see what the new USPS electric delivery vehicles will look like in depth. Hopefully they let Doug make a video with one when the time comes!

I used to deliver for Amazon for 8-9 months in UK. I can honestly say that they have minimized absolutely all the time you use to loose with a normal van. But they also made it so much easier for drivers to be less stressed. This will be an absolute success for Amazon drivers.

Love purpose built stuff, even the way you get out of the seat is optimized.

I actually liked this video, I actually work for Amazon DSP and drive this EDV everyday. Doug mentioned a lot about this EDV but I actually have more features that most people actually know about.

Rivian always has some really clever design and features ideas, it's really nice to see an automaker bringing up so fresh ideas

20 years from now when these vehicles are on the surplus market, I can already imagine the videos of van-life people showing us how they converted them into campers.

I work for a third party who contracts with Amazon. (amazon driver) and I am very excited about this van. They are building the infrastructure near our loadout. I am also invested in the stock RIVN. Solely because of this van.

Yep, I already see them everywhere in florida. I was around saint pete and saw eight amazon trucks at one stop, five of them were these new ones.

So this review is why Prime shipping is longer than usual 🤔😂

I’ve been seeing these everywhere the past couple months, it’s great that delivery drivers can drive around in something way better and newer than the old vans

22:10 Mate you have READ all of our minds! You are legend!

Watching this video made me want to work with this vehicle. Rivian made an *AMAZING* job with this van!