The Rivian Commercial Van (RCV) has emerged as the company’s best-selling vehicle in the third quarter of 2026, outselling the R1T pickup and R1S SUV combined. Rivian sold 8,469 electric vans from July through September, marking a 220.9% increase over the same period last year and making the RCV America’s best-selling electric van by a wide margin.
The results highlight the growing importance of Rivian’s commercial vehicle business as the automaker expands beyond its consumer-focused electric vehicles. While the new R2 midsize SUV recorded 3,456 sales in the third quarter, the commercial van delivered significantly higher sales, supported largely by Rivian’s major supply agreement with Amazon.
Rivian RCV Leads America’s Electric Van Market
Since production of the R1T electric pickup began at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois, plant in 2021, the company has expanded its lineup to four vehicles: the R1T pickup, the R1S three-row full-size SUV, the R2 midsize SUV and the Rivian Commercial Van.
The RCV, also known as the EDV in the version specifically built for Amazon, is currently available to fleet and business customers rather than individual buyers.
During the third quarter of 2026, Rivian sold 8,469 RCV vans, a 220.9% increase from the same period last year. That total significantly exceeded sales of competing electric vans, including the discontinued Chevrolet BrightDrop, which recorded 1,344 sales, the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter with 396 and the Ford E-Transit with 184.
The RCV also ranked as America’s fourth best-selling electric vehicle overall during the quarter, highlighting its strong sales performance.
Rivian Van Sales Surpass R1T and R1S Combined
Rivian’s commercial van outsold the R1T pickup and R1S SUV combined during the third quarter of 2026. The company sold 7,314 units of the two consumer models, leaving them 870 units behind the RCV.
The R1S accounted for 5,582 sales during the quarter, a 31.8% decline from the same period last year. R1T sales reached 1,732 units, down 27.2% year over year.
Both the R1T and R1S start at around $80,000, placing them in a similar price range to Rivian’s commercial van models. However, declining sales of the two flagship vehicles contrast with the rapid growth of the RCV business.
Meanwhile, the R2 midsize SUV recorded 3,456 sales in the third quarter after deliveries began in June.
Amazon Contract Drives Rivian RCV Growth
Rivian’s commercial van sales have also increased substantially over the first nine months of 2026. From January through September, the company sold 15,685 RCVs, a 130.4% increase from the 6,806 units sold during the same period last year.
Competitors recorded considerably lower sales over the same nine-month period. The Chevrolet BrightDrop sold 2,300 units, while the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter recorded 913 sales and the Ford E-Transit reached 677.
A major factor behind Rivian’s performance is its agreement with Amazon to supply the e-commerce company with 100,000 electric delivery vans by 2030. Rivian is estimated to have delivered around 50,000 vans to Amazon so far, leaving approximately 50,000 vehicles to be built to complete the order.
The Amazon agreement is the primary driver of the RCV’s sales growth. Rivian has also made the electric van available to other commercial and fleet customers since 2023, although an official breakdown of sales by customer is unavailable. The vast majority of Rivian’s van sales so far this year are believed to have gone to Amazon.
Rivian RCV Pricing, Range and Upcoming Versions
Rivian offers its commercial electric van in two configurations. The short-wheelbase Delivery 500 starts at $79,900, while the long-wheelbase Delivery 700 carries a starting price of $83,900.
Both versions feature a front-mounted electric motor and an estimated driving range of around 160 miles.
Rivian is also developing a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version and a larger-capacity battery designed to provide a longer driving range.
With 8,469 units sold in the third quarter and 15,685 during the first nine months of 2026, the Rivian Commercial Van has become a major contributor to the automaker’s sales. Its performance, driven primarily by the Amazon delivery van agreement, has established the RCV as America’s best-selling electric van.
