Rivian Automotive Inc and AT&T recently announced that they had signed an agreement for the latter to purchase Rivian electric vehicles (EVs) for the company’s fleet through a pilot program aimed at cutting transport emissions. AT&T expects to add the Rivian Commercial Van and R1 vehicles to its fleet in early 2024 to evaluate how these vehicles help improve safety, reduce costs, and cut its carbon footprint. Its commercial fleet plays an essential role in keeping customers connected. Piloting EVs from Rivian will allow AT&T to explore new paths in its electrification journey, which is expected to contribute toward the company’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035.
The telecom company has a track record of delivering sustainable results within its operations and for business customers. To support its carbon-neutral commitment, AT&T expects to reduce fleet emissions. Its strategy includes optimizing routes, switching to hybrids and EVs, and reducing the overall size of the fleet. It also uses AI to make its fleet more efficient. AT&T drives 20% fewer miles each year, reducing emissions by 51 million pounds.
“We’re excited to purchase Rivian EVs for our fleet. This pilot is another important step in our ongoing efforts toward sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint, and embracing a cleaner future for our operations. With advanced connectivity and a vision for a sustainable future, Rivian is setting the standard for the evolving demands of modern transportation,” said Hardmon Williams, SVP of AT&T Connected Solutions.
In addition to collaborating with Rivian to provide fleet vehicles for a pilot, AT&T is the exclusive provider of connectivity to all Rivian vehicles in the United States and Canada, enabling a smarter, safer, and more connected driving experience. With AT&T connectivity, Rivian uses over-the-air software updates to consistently improve its vehicles with new features that elevate the driving experience for its customers.
The Rivian Commercial Van is designed from the ground up, prioritizing safety, sustainability, and ownership costs. It is engineered to be one of the safest vehicles on the road today, with features including automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, and 360-degree visibility. The vehicles run with Rivian’s in-house software stack, which underpins the fleet management system, improving efficiency and contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.
“We couldn’t be happier collaborating with AT&T as we work together to help cut emissions and protect our environment. Around a quarter of CO2 emitted in the transportation sector in the United States comes from commercial vans, so it’s imperative that we do all we can as soon as possible to help cut emissions. Our category-defining vehicles offer some of the most advanced technology in the sector and are continually improved through over-the-air updates. We’re very much looking forward to expanding our relationship with AT&T to help them achieve their climate goals,” said Dagan Mishoulam, VP of strategy and fleet at Rivian.
Rivian exists to create products and services that help the planet transition to carbon-neutral energy and transportation. The EV maker designs, develops, and manufactures category-defining EVs and accessories and sells them directly to customers in the consumer and commercial markets. The company also complements its vehicles with a full suite of proprietary, value-added services that address the vehicle’s entire lifecycle and deepen its customer relationships.