Rivian Electric Van Gets 30% More Range and AWD in First Major Upgrade, Deliveries Underway

Rivian has begun delivering the first significant hardware upgrade to its electric delivery van since production started in 2021. The new version features a larger lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that boosts range by 30%, along with a new dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The company confirmed in its Q3 2026 shareholder presentation that deliveries of the updated vans started in early October. This marks the first real specification improvement for the van, which had been stuck at around 160 miles of rated range for years. The upgrade is important for fleet customers like Amazon, which has been Rivian’s primary van buyer, as longer range and AWD can improve route flexibility and performance in varied weather. Rivian has been working to reduce costs and expand its commercial vehicle lineup, and this update could help attract new logistics and delivery partners. With production ramping and the new hardware now shipping, Rivian is positioning its electric van to better compete in the growing commercial EV market.