Rivian Edv problems

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The Rivian EDV (Electric Delivery Van) and ECV (Electric Commercial Van) are a line of battery-electric cargo vehicles built by Rivian. Initially they were exclusive to its investor Amazon, which uses the EDV for package delivery, but in November 2023, sales were opened to other companies as the ECV, with minor cosmetic changes. The EDV and ECV use the RCV (Rivian Commercial Vehicle) platform, which is derived from the R1 platform that underpins the manufacturer's R1T pickup truck and R1S sport-utility vehicles, and is built in three sizes. Specific models (ordered by increasing size) include the EDV/ECV-500, EDV/ECV-700, and EDV-900.

History

In February 2019, Amazon announced it was leading a $700 million investment in Rivian. That September, Amazon Logistics ordered 100,000 battery electric delivery vehicles as part of a collaborative design effort between Rivian and Amazon. Initial schedules stated the first vans would be delivered to Amazon in 2021, with as many as 10,000 electric vans in operation by 2022, and the full order to be fulfilled by 2024. However, that date was later revised to 2030. The Rivian collaboration is part of Amazon's plan to convert its delivery fleet to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Amazon also will source electric vans and three-wheelers from other OEMs, such as Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz Group, and Mahindra.

By February 2020, Rivian had shown a full-size clay model of the van. A prototype Amazon electric delivery van with 150-mile (240 km) range was tested on public roads in early 2021, starting in Los Angeles and San Francisco. By April 2021, testing had expanded to Denver with additional plans to test in sixteen more U.S. cities in different climate zones. Tests in Oklahoma and Michigan were underway by July 2021. The first production EDV, an EDV-700, was completed in December 2021 and delivered to Amazon.: 12

Deployment of the electric delivery vans began in nine U.S. cities in July 2022. By November, Amazon stated it had more than 1,000 EDVs in operation which had delivered a collective 5 million packages. In July 2023, one year after Amazon began receiving the vans, more than 5,000 had been delivered, and the first deliveries to Germany had begun. By October, that had doubled to 10,000 vans.

Under the initial agreement, Amazon had exclusive rights to purchase the EDV for four years after the first batch was delivered, and the right of first refusal over any other companies seeking to purchase the EDV from Rivian for two additional years after that. Exclusivity is contingent on Amazon ordering 10,000 vans for each of the first two years of production, and if Amazon does not order 100,000 vans in total, the exclusivity arrangement is terminated. After Amazon placed a minimum order for 10,000 EDVs in 2023, Rivian entered negotiations to terminate the exclusivity agreement.

Rivian now lists the ECV 500 and 700 on their website for other companies to buy, with deliveries starting in 2024. The ECV features the Rivian logo on the front instead of the Amazon logo.

photo of Rivian Edv car production

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Rivian Edv model years

rivian edv 2022 photo
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Common Rivian Edv problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Rivian EDV cars, several common problems have been reported:

  • Premature Pad/Rotor Wear: Some owners experienced premature wear on brake pads and rotors, leading to pulsation or vibration, brake failure, and issues with the antilock system. This can impact the vehicle's braking performance and safety.
  • Charging Problems: Complaints included issues with charging at home, compatibility with public chargers, failure to fully charge, and problems with the charge connection or port door. These charging issues can significantly impact the usability and convenience of the vehicle, especially for electric delivery vans like the EDV.
  • Climate System Malfunctions: Problems with the AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, and automatic climate control were reported. Issues such as electrical failures, refrigerant leakage, and other climate control malfunctions can affect the comfort and functionality of the vehicle.
  • Suspension and Steering Components: Complaints included issues with shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, and steering linkage. Problems in these components can lead to handling issues, poor ride quality, and compromised safety while driving the vehicle.
  • Infotainment System: Owners reported problems with the infotainment system, including issues with audio, GPS, phone connectivity, rear entertainment system, and backup cameras/sensors. Malfunctions in these systems can impact the overall driving experience and convenience for users.

These reported problems highlight various issues that owners of Rivian EDV cars have faced, ranging from mechanical issues to charging and climate control malfunctions. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of these electric delivery vehicles.

Rivian Edv

Why is Rivian struggling?

Its cash pile has shrunk from nearly $20 billion when it went public to less than $8 billion at the end of last year. Mass production of anything, particularly something as complex as an EV, is hard, and Rivian has had to grapple with pandemic-induced supply chain issues and competition from Tesla Inc.

What is the cash problem with Rivian?

Rivian's (RIVN -3.73%) biggest challenge right now is cash. The company's cash burn is unsustainable while building out R2 and R3 capacity, which is why management announced reduced capital expenditures in Georgia. But that's not good news either because it likely doesn't get the company to profitability.

What is the lifespan of the Rivian?

You can expect a typical Rivian R1T to survive around 250,000 miles, which places high mileage at the 200,000 mark and good mileage at 180,000 miles. Maintenance is vital to keep the lifespan up, especially since the core of the Rivian R1T is a battery you must keep in excellent shape.

Why is Rivian losing value?

Rivian said that it has been selling its electric trucks at an average loss of $33,000 each. Consequently, the company has burned through about half of its $18 billion cash pile since last summer. Management has said that they are focused on lowering costs and streamlining production.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Rivian Edv years

We have researched Rivian problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Rivian Edv cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Rivian Edv model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Rivian Edv model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Rivian Edv years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Rivian Edv car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Rivian Edv , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Rivian Edv vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Rivian Edv . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Rivian Edv vehicles.

List of Rivian Edv complaints

Rivian Edv 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-19
  • Date Complaint: 2024-05-20
  • VIN: 7FCEHDB77NN
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: We have a fleet of these Rivian delivery vehicles and they all have the same issue: the shift lever is made of inferior materials and insufficiently designed. The operator manipulates the shift lever to place the vehicle in drive and the lever breaks off. The vehicle is then stuck in gear and cannot be shifted. This is causing near miss incidents due to the operator being unable to safely control the vehicle. Example: operator places the vehicle in "D" to drive forward but is then unable to place the vehicle in "R" to reverse backward, or to place the vehicle in "P" to park. There are no warnings or indications that the failure is about to occur. These units have been inspected by the manufacturer and their representatives but they refuse to address the concern and prefer to instead charge the owner/operator for replacement of the defective part.
Rivian Edv 2022
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-22
  • Date Complaint: 2023-02-23
  • VIN: 7FCEHDB72NN
  • Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The new Amazon Rivian EDV vans lack passenger-side airbags. Amazon is requiring Driver Trainers to sit in the passenger "jump seat" for 3+ hours a day for on-the-road training tests. The government requires front airbags for both the driver & passenger, yet Amazon is requiring Driver Trainers to sit in a seat without proper safety protections. The van also has a blue metal pole in front of the passenger seat that people could hit their heads on, and there is a hard surface behind the head that could be hit during whiplash. If the government requires front airbags, how can Amazon require it's employees to sit a vehicle without them? The official Rivian EDV operating guide PDF is attached here which confirms the lack of passenger-side safety features & airbags. Amazon claims that safety is their #1 priority, yet they are not providing basic safety for their Driver Trainers.

Recalls Rivian Edv

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Rivian Edv.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Rivian Edv 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-10-06
  • Manufacturer: Rivian Automotive, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM
  • Summary: Rivian Automotive, LLC (Rivian) is recalling certain 2022 R1T, R1S, and EDV vehicles. The fastener connecting the front upper control arm and steering knuckle may have been improperly tightened.
  • Consequence: A loose steering knuckle fastener could separate, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, tighten the steering knuckle fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 11, 2022. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian's number for this recall is FSAM 997.

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