Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes and Rivian announce electric van partnership

The move will see EV-maker Rivian and Mercedes co-produce large electric vans

Mercedes and Rivian logos

Mercedes-Benz and American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian have agreed to work together to produce large, pure-electric vans. The strategy aims to cut development and production costs for both firms with the first models created from the partnership launching in 2025. 

This isn’t the first time a German manufacturer has teamed up with an American company to co-produce electric commercial vehicles with Ford and Volkswagen having been partners since 2018

Mercedes says this new partnership will result in at least two large vans, one based on Mercedes’ VAN.EA (Vans Electric Architecture) and the other based on Rivian’s second-generation Light Van platform (RLV). 

Advertisement - Article continues below

RJ Scaringe, Chief Executive Officer of Rivian, said of the announcement:  “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.”

Adding to this, Mathias Geisen, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans said: “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.”

Mercedes currently has the eVito panel van, eSprinter, eVito Tourer and the EQV making up its all-electric van stable. There will be new additions soon with the incoming eCitan, EQT and second-generation eSprinter - which will launch in 2023. That eSprinter’s life could be cut short however, given the upcoming VAN.EA architecture set to debut a van of similar size in 2025.

Mercedes says the production facility for the new vans will be electric-only and will be based on an existing Mercedes‑Benz site in Europe.

Now read our list of the best electric vans...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volkswagen and Rivian officially team up on £4.5bn joint venture
Rivian R3 - front static

Volkswagen and Rivian officially team up on £4.5bn joint venture

The collaboration will operate as an independent company focusing on next-generation EVs
News
14 Nov 2024
New Mercedes-AMG SUV flagship to rival future Porsche Cayenne
Mercedes-AMG SUV silhouette teaser image

New Mercedes-AMG SUV flagship to rival future Porsche Cayenne

AMG's new bespoke platform will underpin a surprise full-size SUV alongside a sleek four-door saloon
News
7 Nov 2024
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
6 Nov 2024
Advanced Mercedes safety tech has 25 years to end all road accidents
Mercedes EQS - front end

Advanced Mercedes safety tech has 25 years to end all road accidents

Zero road accidents by 2050? We test latest Mercedes tech that’s intended to keep drivers out of trouble
Features
4 Nov 2024

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates
Mazda CX-60 - front 3/4 static

Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates

Mazda’s SUV has picked up some worthy trim and technical updates
News
13 Nov 2024
Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?
Dacia Duster and MG ZS - front tracking

Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?

The new Dacia Duster and MG ZS are the UK’s cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?
Car group tests
13 Nov 2024