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The planned joint venture will produce large electric vans for both Rivian and Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz and American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian have signed documents for a “strategic partnership” that will see the two brands come together to build electric vans.
The development of said electric vans is set to start “in a few years” according to a press released from Mercedes-Benz.
The co-development is set to produce two electric vans, one based on the VAN.EA platform and another on Rivians’ light van platform.
Mercedes-Benz says the move will “substantially increase cost efficiency to help make the vans more affordable for commercial customers driven by total cost of ownership”.
Rivian is currently best-known for its rugged electric ute and SUV range in the United States, undoubtedly fuelling speculation that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute could return in future with Rivian tech.
In overseas markets, there are four electric vans currently on offer through Mercedes-Benz; the eVito Panel van, the eSprinter, the eVito Tourer and the EQV.
Mercedes-Benz says that there are more models to come, including the eCitan and EQT.
But what about in Australia?
The EQV, the electric version of the Mercedes-Benz Vito van, is slated for an Australian release sometime in the remainder of 2022 and will compete directly with the Ford e-Transit, Hyundai Staria and the Toyota Granvia.
Further plans by the German automaker are yet to be revealed.
You may have heard of Rivian before. It’s a relatively new American company specialising in electric vehicles.
Currently, Rivian makes two models, the R1T dual-cab electric ute and the R1S, a five door electric SUV.
The R1T pick-up currently competes in an ever-growing market of electric American pick-up trucks. It has beaten the Tesla Cybertruck, the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Ford F-150 Lightning to market.
Rivian claims that its ute can accelerate to 100km/h in around three seconds in its highest specification. The ute is available in either dual or quad-motor guise.
The new partnership with Mercedes-Benz will mark the first electric van for the relatively new American company.
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