Rivian shows off electric Amazon delivery van

Pure-electric start-up Rivian has pulled the drapes off the battery-powered delivery van it has created for online retail giant Amazon.

Developed as part an incredible $5 billion ($A7bn) deal to supply 100,000 pure-electric vans to Amazon by 2030, the Californian-based EV start-up has revealed that it will deliver its first batch of vans before the end of 2022.

Thought to be concentrating on the US market first, both Rivian and Amazon have not yet revealed technical specifications for the large electric van, but have announced each vehicle will come with an advanced 360-degree camera that's linked to a large infotainment system.

Rivian has also announced that drivers will benefit from a full "suite of highway and traffic assist technology" hinting at advanced semi-autonomous driving aids that could see hands-free driving on the highway.

More technology set to debut in the big van is a pre-loaded Amazon Alexa on-board assistant that will provide the driver with weather updates and allow hands-free calls and navigation.

Inside the load area, Amazon and Rivian have designed a three-tier shelving system and developed a sturdy bulkhead and roller shutter.

Side impact has also been a priority with the driver benefiting from a reinforced door to protect the cabin in the event of the van being side-swiped – a common accident in the USA.

Other handy features include a low glass line to give the driver plenty of visibility to help them spot vulnerable road users like cyclists in a congested city.

The wheels, meanwhile, have been pushed as far out as possible to aid manoeuvrability.

The arrival of the Rivian vans in 2022 will help Amazon realise its commitment that, by 2024, 80 per cent of its vehicles will run on renewable energy and that by 2030 all its vehicles will be environmentally sustainable.

As part of the van's development, Amazon earlier this year announced that it had invested $700 million ($A985m) in Rivian. Ford is also backing the start-up, pumping in the same amount last year.

Fuelling excitement for the brand that has yet to build a single vehicle is the advanced architecture and powertrain it has already developed that will underpin not only the Amazon van but the R1S SUV and R1T pick-up truck that will be launched in 2021.

Both been confirmed for an Australian launch.

If that's not enough, Rivian also boasts a huge factory in Normal, Illinois, that until recently manufactured up to 200,000 Mitsubishi vehicles annually.

As well as said to contain the same floor space as 24 full-size Wallmart stores, the EV brand's production facility, which is nearing completion, will also be able to draw on the highly-skilled local workforce.