Irvine, CA and Dallas, TX, December 14, 2023 – Today marks a significant step in sustainable transportation as Rivian Automotive, Inc. joins forces with telecommunications giant AT&T. They have inked a deal for AT&T to integrate Rivian electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet, commencing with a pilot program. This initiative is a part of AT&T’s broader strategy to reduce transport emissions. The company anticipates the inclusion of Rivian’s Commercial Van and R1 vehicles in its fleet starting early 2024, focusing on enhancing safety, reducing operational costs, and achieving a smaller carbon footprint.
AT&T, renowned for keeping its customers connected, recognizes the vital role of its commercial fleet. The pilot with Rivian EVs represents a significant stride in AT&T’s journey towards electrification, aligning with its objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035.
AT&T has consistently delivered on its sustainability commitments, both internally and for its business clientele. The company’s approach to reducing fleet emissions aligns with its carbon neutrality goal and involves optimizing routes, transitioning to hybrid and electric vehicles, and streamlining its fleet size. Leveraging AI, AT&T has efficiently reduced its fleet’s mileage by 20% annually, resulting in a 51 million pound reduction in emissions.
This partnership also highlights Rivian’s role as the exclusive provider of AT&T’s fleet vehicles in a pilot project. Notably, AT&T is the sole connectivity provider for all Rivian vehicles across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring a more intelligent, safe, and interconnected driving experience. Rivian benefits from AT&T’s connectivity by consistently enhancing its vehicles through over-the-air software updates, elevating the customer driving experience.
The Rivian Commercial Van, designed with an emphasis on safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, is engineered to be one of the safest vehicles on the roads. It boasts features like automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, and comprehensive 360-degree visibility. Rivian’s proprietary software stack, which powers the fleet management system, further contributes to the vehicle’s efficiency and overall cost-effectiveness.
Hardmon Williams, SVP of AT&T Connected Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition of Rivian EVs, citing it as a pivotal move towards sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint. He emphasized Rivian’s advanced connectivity and sustainable vision as key factors in setting new standards for modern transportation.
Dagan Mishoulam, VP of Strategy & Fleet at Rivian, shared the excitement about collaborating with AT&T. He stressed the importance of addressing emissions from commercial vans, which account for a significant portion of CO2 emissions in the U.S. transportation sector. Mishoulam highlighted Rivian’s commitment to offering advanced technology and continuous improvements through over-the-air updates, looking forward to expanding their relationship with AT&T in support of their climate goals.
