1. EDV Features Dual Motor Front-Wheel Drive
The EDV (Electric Delivery Van) uses a peculiar dual motor setup that only affords it front-wheel drive capability. If you’ve been following developments in the EV automotive segment, you’ll know that almost every electric vehicle currently for sale with a dual motor setup is all-wheel drive.
But, in the Rivian EDV’s case, the dual motors are both located up front. This is because they are derived from the R1 series of trucks, which means that each one of these motors powers an individual wheel.
It’s super cool to run into a front-wheel drive system with a dedicated motor for each wheel. It will be very interesting to see how this affects the vehicle’s driving dynamics because it’s probably the only vehicle on the road with this setup.
In the long run, this configuration might not be cost-effective, especially if Rivian plans to produce an AWD version of the EDV. In the future, Rivian may opt for a simple dual-motor setup that uses a single motor to power the front wheels and another motor for the rears.
Using the Quad Motor configuration from the immensely capable R1T seems like something that might not be practical or cost-effective for use in a commercial vehicle.
2. Enormous Brake Light
3. Friendly Front End
Rivian definitely knows how to put a distinctive mug on a vehicle. In the EDV’s case, the big round lights and the smiley bumper trim give it a friendly and approachable look. You’ll not often hear the word cute used to describe a commercial delivery van, but in Rivian’s case, it’s appropriate.
Rivian made the daytime running lights ultra-visible, and they also turn amber to double as immediately noticeable turn signals.
4. Weird Reverse Noise
Usually, commercial delivery vehicles make a distinctive beeping sound when reversing. We’ve all heard this rather annoying noise whenever a truck is backing up, but the Rivian delivery van tries to implement a less annoying sound.
But, the sound Rivian came up with is just strange. Pedestrians will likely hear it, but they might be confused as to what exactly is going on. The traditional beep is so deeply embedded into the collective psyche as a universal sign that a large vehicle is backing up that it seems a bit odd Rivian decided to add a sound that’s unlike anything out there.
Although the sound is definitely less annoying than the normal beeping noise, you could argue that it should be annoying for people to notice it.
In Rivian’s case, the EDV reverse sound sounds like a damaged speaker trying to make the beeping sound but failing. Sometimes reinventing the wheel is unnecessary, and this is a perfect example.
5. Automatic Cargo-Access Door in the Cabin
The Rivian EDV is designed to make the driver’s life as convenient as possible. It might be the first example of a vehicle designed by a company with employee comfort specifically in mind.
Everything from the surfaces the delivery driver steps on when climbing into the van to the seat height has been engineered with the comfort and convenience of the driver in mind. Another feature that makes the driver’s life way easier is the automatically opening door right behind the driver’s seat that allows access into the van’s cargo area.
This door automatically slides open whenever the Rivian van is placed in park. If they need to, delivery drivers can also control this door from the central touchscreen.
The Rivian EDV Is the Coolest Delivery Van Ever
Delivery vans aren’t typically the type of vehicle most people fawn over, but the Rivian isn’t any ol’ van. Instead, it’s truly one of the coolest vehicles currently on the road.
