These custom electric delivery vehicles will also be tested out in 15 additional cities through 2021.
Amazon revealed a video, photos, and some details of the van’s features but did not include battery or drivetrain specs. The timeframe for initial deployment is now “as early as 2022.”
Lion Electric will deliver 10 battery-electric trucks to Amazon. The first two will be delivered this year.
The FAA awarded Amazon a Part 135 air carrier certificate, which is also held by UPS and Wing, owned by Google’s parent Alphabet.
The latest news from Amazon that it is pausing a test of a service that would compete with UPS and FedEx reflects the strain that the COVID-19 pandemic is placing on last-mile delivery logistics.
Amazon is “temporarily prioritizing products coming into its fulfillment centers” through April 5 to focus on household staples and medical supplies in high demand due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 epidemic.
Rivian has closed an investment round of $1.3 billion, the fourth investment the battery-electric truck and SUV startup will receive in 2019.
A report in Business Insider seems to confirm speculation that Amazon is currently building up its long- and regional-haul capabilities in preparation for launching a proprietary logistics division in the near future.
As part of Amazon’s Last Mile program, the company has created a logistics network that relies on contracted delivery services using undertrained drivers in rented trucks. This creates a wall that protects Amazon from liability in fatal collisions.
The retail giant has made a $440 million fleet order to electric truckmaker. The company says new vehicles will hit roadways as early as 2021.