Rivian and Mercedes-Benz to co-develop electric vans
US and German car-makers ink deal to launch large battery-powered commercial vans from 2025California EV upstart Rivian has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mercedes-Benz to form a strategic partnership to develop and produce electric vans from 2025.
The partnership should see the two powerhouses leverage shared investments, costs and technical know-how to yield a pair of bespoke large electric commercial vans for each brand to then badge and sell as their own – like the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ project.
If all subsequent proceedings, legalities and commercial clearances are successful, met and granted, the co-developed vans will be produced exclusively at a repurposed Mercedes-Benz facility in Eastern Europe.
The first of the two models will be underpinned by the German brand’s upcoming VAN.EA EV architecture, while the second will ride on the Rivian Light Van (RLV) platform.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said Mercedes-Benz was one of the world’s best-known and respected brands on the planet and that the partnership would “produce truly remarkable electric vans which will not only benefit our customers, but the planet”.
“Rivian was created to encourage the world to transition away from fossil fuel consumption by creating compelling products and services,” he said.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz on this project.”
Meantime, Mercedes-Benz Vans boss Mathias Geisen revealed that the brand’s new vans would be based on the VAN.EA platform as of 2025.
“I am delighted… we are now joining forces with Rivian – a highly dynamic and inspiring partner with a strong technology position,” he said.
“We are sharing investments and technology because we also share the same strategic ambition: accelerating the electrification of the van market with sustainable and superior products for our customers.”
In practice, the Rivian-Mercedes deal should lead to a pair of new electric vans similar in size to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, using technologies pioneered by the Rivian Electric Delivery Van.
The Rivian 500 and 700 vans started rolling out of Amazon depots in the US in July, following a 2019 deal that will see the global commerce giant purchase 100,000 delivery vans from the US EV-maker.
When or indeed whether any of the new Rivian or Mercedes vans become available in Australia remains to be seen, but both car-makers have also expressed interest in exploring further synergies and collaborations beyond the van project.
And with Audi reportedly eyeing off its own version of the new Volkswagen Amarok/Ford Ranger ute twins, we can’t help but wonder if Mercedes will tap Rivian for another stab at the dual-cab 4x4 pick-up market, perhaps in the form of a rebadged or reskinned Rivian R1T.
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