Rivian electric delivery van gets 30% range boost, 710-hp AWD

Rivian has expanded powertrain options for its electric delivery van, adding a larger-capacity battery and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant. The upgrades, which began shipping in early October, deliver a roughly 30% increase in driving range and up to 710 horsepower, specifically designed to expand route coverage into more rural networks.

The larger 129 kilowatt-hour battery pack replaces a 90 kWh unit, offering significantly more usable energy. This battery is exclusive to the long-wheelbase 700 model, which provides 652 cubic feet of cargo space. The smaller 500 van model retains its existing battery and front-wheel-drive configuration. The new all-wheel-drive option pairs two Enduro motors for a total output of 710 horsepower (530 kilowatts) and is also limited to the 700 body version.

EPA certifications for the 2027 model-year vans, granted on September 17, provide official range figures. The front-wheel-drive van with the large battery achieved a 355.5-mile rating, a 36% increase over the previous model's 261.7 miles. The new all-wheel-drive version was certified for 322.25 miles, a 23% increase. Rivian had previously marketed the van with a range of 'up to 160 miles', which the 30% boost would raise to approximately 208 miles.

Weight and Design Implications

The larger battery and additional motor add substantial weight. The 129 kWh battery is roughly 1,000 pounds heavier than the standard pack, and the rear-mounted electric motor adds another 450 pounds. This results in a curb weight of 8,677 pounds for the fully-loaded long-wheelbase van, which has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds. The entry-level short-wheelbase model with the standard battery and front-wheel drive weighs roughly 7,000 lbs. Rivian's van design includes features optimized for delivery, such as extra driver height, a lower floor entry, and improved visibility to support its use in heavy-duty applications.

Charging and Infrastructure Compatibility

All Rivian vans come equipped with a CCS1 charging port supporting up to 100 kW DC fast charging. For AC charging, the van can accept up to 11 kW from a 240-volt, 48-ampere Level 2 charger. To ensure broader network access, Rivian will provide NACS charging adapters as an opt-out option for use with NACS fast chargers.

Market Expansion and Competitive Landscape

Rivian's commercial van is currently the best-selling electric van in the United States by a wide margin, with 15,685 EDVs and RCVs sold from January through September. A 100,000-vehicle order from Amazon has been a key driver, and Amazon accounted for 52% of Rivian’s automotive revenue in the first quarter. The updates apply to both the Amazon-branded EDV and the general-purpose RCV. The heavier, longer-range van could widen Rivian’s market beyond Amazon, where sales to other customers remain thin.

With competitors like General Motors ending BrightDrop van production and Canoo filing for bankruptcy, Ford's E-Transit is the main full-size electric alternative. Rivian is actively improving its product to target rural delivery, utilities, and telecom markets that require longer ranges and better traction. A Rivian van with Walmart+ livery was spotted on a car hauler, though no official deal has been announced. Rivian delivered the first major hardware upgrade to its electric van in early October 2026, focusing on expanding rural delivery capabilities.