Written by Cláudio Afonso | info@claudio-afonso.com | LinkedIn | Twitter
The EV maker Rivian Automotive announced on Thursday a partnership with Mercedes-Benz to invest in a factory in Europe aiming to produce electric vans. The companies will leverage shared investments, shared costs and will pursue operational synergies to rapidly scale electric van production.
In a few years, large electric vans for Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian are to roll off the assembly line there, Mercedes CEO Ola Kaellenius said.
The companies aim to produce two large vans, one based on VAN.EA (MB Vans Electric Architecture), the electric-only platform of Mercedes‑Benz Vans, and the other based on the second generation electric-van, Rivian Light Van (RLV) platform. Further options for increased synergies from the joint venture will also be explored, the automakers said.
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RJ Scaringe, Rivian CEO commented, “Rivian was created to encourage the world to transition away from fossil fuel consumption by creating compelling products and services. We’re delighted to be partnering with Mercedes‑Benz on this project”.
“Mercedes‑Benz is one of the world’s best known and respected automotive companies, and we believe that together we will produce truly remarkable electric vans which will not only benefit our customers, but the planet,” he added.
Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans stated, “As a pioneer in the field of locally emission-free transportation Mercedes‑Benz Vans has gained broad experience in producing and launching eVans since 2010. Now we are accelerating the transformation to a fully electric product portfolio. From 2025 onwards, all vans based on our new architecture VAN.EA will be electric-only”.
“I am delighted that as part of this transformation we are now joining forces with Rivian – a highly dynamic and inspiring partner with a strong technology position. 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,” he concluded.
Recently, U.S. largest EV subscription company Autonomy placed an order for 23,000 electric vehicles from 17 automakers including Tesla, Rivian and Lucid to “expand and diversify its subscription fleet”.
Written by Cláudio Afonso | info@claudio-afonso.com | LinkedIn | Twitter