Amazon Packages Could Soon Reach Your Doorstep Via Electric Delivery Vehicles

The next time you step out onto the porch to receive an impulsively-bought package, the Amazon delivery van could look very different from what you’re used to seeing.

Just several days behind Walmart, Amazon has announced it will begin rolling out electric delivery vehicles to transport packages to customers, starting with Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, and more. 

By the end of the year, the retail giant expects to deploy these new automobiles to over 100 cities, eventually expanding to a fleet of 100,000 vehicles across the country by 2030 as part of The Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero carbon operations. 

The custom delivery vans were developed in partnership with Rivian, a pioneer in eco-friendly last mile logistics, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and comfort. As per Amazon, the vehicles have been tested by drivers across the nation, and are expected to save millions of metric tons of carbon annually. 

Furthermore, the vans feature 360-degree visibility for drivers, a suite of safety functions, warnings, and assisted technology, and even an ergonomically-designed driver’s cabin so employees can load cargo in a more comfortable and efficient manner.

“Fighting the effects of climate change requires constant innovation and action, and Amazon is partnering with companies who share our passion for inventing new ways to minimize our impact on the environment,” said Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our Climate Pledge commitment. Vivian was one of the first companies Amazon invested in through the Climate Pledge Fund, and we’re just getting started on our journey to have 100,000 of Rivian’s vehicles on the road by 2030,” he added. 

[via CNBC and Amazon / Business Wire, images via Amazon / Business Wire]