Rivian is giving its electric delivery van some much-needed love. The California-based automaker recently announced that its commercial workhorse is finally getting a significant upgrade, including a more capable battery and, for the first time, an all-wheel drive (AWD) option.
According to a report from InsideEVs, Rivian is working on a bigger battery pack and an AWD powertrain to help its van reach more remote areas and handle tougher weather conditions. Up until now, the Rivian Commercial Van (RCV) — as it was officially branded starting with the 2025 model year — has only been available with front-wheel drive and a single battery size.
While the current setup works for short local trips, the new, larger battery will reportedly offer a 30% increase in range. This should push real-world driving distance to over 200 miles, up from the current 161-mile estimate. Meanwhile, the addition of AWD will provide more power and better traction for drivers dealing with mud or snow.
Rivian’s electric van is currently available in two trims: RCV 500 and RCV 700. Both trims are powered by a 100 kWh battery pack and a single 320-horsepower motor. While that’s more than workable, delivery companies like Amazon, which has a massive deal with Rivian for 100,000 units, are looking to expand their electric fleets into more challenging environments.
This news comes at a perfect time for the startup. With Chevrolet recently discontinuing its BrightDrop van and Ford’s E-Transit facing its own hurdles, Rivian has a clear path to dominating the electric commercial market. Last year, the RCV topped the sales charts with over 13,000 units sold, far outpacing competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Ford.
Beyond its commercial success, Rivian is also gearing up for its biggest consumer launch yet with the R2 midsize SUV. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, the R2 is expected to start at a much more affordable price point of around $45,000, bringing Rivian’s adventure-ready tech to a wider audience.
As for the upgraded van, Rivian hasn't announced exactly when these new options will debut or how much the added range and AWD will cost.
What do you think of Rivian's new van updates? Would you trust an electric van to handle your deliveries in the snow? Let us know in the comments.
