Rivian's Electric Van Gets Major Upgrades: Bigger Battery and All-Wheel Drive on the Horizon

Daily Car

17/02/2026

Rivian is set to significantly enhance its popular electric delivery van, introducing a larger battery pack and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain option. These updates aim to boost the van's range and capability, further solidifying Rivian's dominance in the commercial electric vehicle market.

Key Takeaways

A larger battery pack will increase the van's driving range by approximately 30%, pushing it beyond 200 miles.
An optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive system will be available, improving traction and power.
These upgrades address the needs of delivery companies expanding into more remote areas.
Rivian currently leads the U.S. electric commercial van market, with competitors like BrightDrop exiting and Ford's E-Transit facing challenges.

Enhanced Range and Capability

Since its debut in late 2021, Rivian's electric van has largely remained unchanged, apart from a switch to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry and an in-house drive unit in 2023. The current model features a 100-kilowatt-hour LFP battery, offering an estimated range of 160-161 miles and a front-mounted Enduro motor producing 320 horsepower. This configuration is well-suited for typical last-mile delivery routes.

However, the upcoming upgrades, revealed in Rivian's fourth-quarter shareholder letter, promise to extend the van's utility. The larger battery pack is expected to provide a 30% increase in range, translating to over 200 miles of real-world driving distance. This enhancement will be particularly beneficial for delivery services that cover more extensive or remote areas.

All-Wheel Drive for Tougher Conditions

The addition of a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option will further enhance the van's performance. AWD provides increased power and significantly improves traction, which is crucial for navigating challenging conditions such as mud and snow. This feature will make the Rivian van more versatile and reliable for drivers operating in diverse weather and terrain.

Market Dominance and Future Outlook

Rivian's electric commercial van has already established itself as a leader in the U.S. market, largely due to a substantial order from Amazon for 100,000 units. In the past year, Rivian sold 13,423 units, far surpassing competitors like the Ford E-Transit (5,186 units) and the now-discontinued Chevrolet BrightDrop (4,971 units). With GM's BrightDrop out of production and the Ford E-Transit nearing the end of its lifecycle, Rivian is well-positioned to further solidify its market leadership.

While Rivian has not yet announced the release date or pricing for the updated models, it is anticipated that the longer-range and more powerful versions will come at a higher cost than the current base price of $79,000 for the RCV 500. The introduction of an AWD electric commercial van also leaves a clear path for Rivian, as there are currently no other AWD electric commercial vans available for sale in the United States.

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