AT&T to purchase Rivian EVs in pilot deal for cost and emission reduction
December 14, 2023 – 5:05 AM PST
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – U.S. wireless carrier AT&T (T.N) is embarking on an exciting pilot program with startup Rivian (RIVN.O) to purchase electric vehicles. The program aims to evaluate ways to reduce costs, cut carbon emissions, and improve safety, the companies announced on Thursday.
The deal marks a significant milestone for Rivian, following the end of its exclusivity pact with Amazon (AMZN.O) last month. This opens up opportunities for more customers to join the fold.
AT&T plans to introduce Rivian electric commercial vans, R1T pickup trucks, and R1S sport utility vehicles into its fleet starting in early 2024, according to a joint statement.
The specific number of vehicles AT&T will purchase and the financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
AT&T has been actively investing in transitioning its commercial fleet to vehicles that utilize alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas and hybrid electric vehicles.
“This pilot program is another crucial step in our ongoing efforts towards sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint, and embracing a cleaner future for our operations,” said Hardmon Williams, senior vice president of AT&T Connected Solutions.
Companies are racing to adopt zero-emission fleets as part of their environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) goals and emission reduction targets.
However, the high interest rates associated with electric vehicles have raised concerns about affordability and potential demand slowdowns, as they are typically more expensive than traditional gas-powered vehicles.
Nevertheless, Rivian has expressed confidence in the market, stating that there is significant interest and demand for its vans beyond Amazon. The company, however, did not disclose any other potential customers at this time.
Rivian remains committed to fulfilling its order of 100,000 vans for Amazon by 2030. Currently, Amazon has 10,000 of these vehicles in operation across the U.S. and Europe.
Last month, Rivian increased its 2023 production forecast to 54,000 units.
Reporting by Abhirup Roy in San Francisco; Editing by Christian Schmollinger
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How does AT&T’s partnership with Rivian contribute to the reduction of costs, carbon emissions, and improvement of safety?
December 14, 2023 – 5:05 AM PST
A Rivian Automotive Inc facility is pictured in Costa Mesa, California, U.S., November 1, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – U.S. wireless carrier AT&T (T.N) is embarking on an exciting pilot program with startup Rivian (RIVN.O) to purchase electric vehicles. The program aims to evaluate ways to reduce costs, cut carbon emissions, and improve safety, the companies announced on Thursday.
The deal marks a significant milestone for Rivian, following the end of its exclusivity pact with Amazon (AMZN.O) last month. This opens up opportunities for more customers to join the fold.
AT&T plans to introduce Rivian electric commercial vans, R1T pickup trucks, and R1S sport utility vehicles into its fleet starting in early 2024, according to a joint statement.
The specific number of vehicles AT&T will purchase and the financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
AT&T has been actively investing in transitioning its commercial fleet to vehicles that utilize alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas and hybrid electric vehicles.
“This pilot program is another crucial step in our ongoing efforts towards sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint, and embracing a cleaner future for our operations,” said Hardmon Williams, senior vice president of AT&T Connected Solutions.
Companies are racing to adopt zero-emission fleets as part of their environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) goals and emission reduction targets.
However, the high interest rates associated with electric vehicles pose a challenge for widespread adoption. To address this concern, governments and financial institutions need to offer incentives and lower financial barriers to promote the transition to electric vehicles.
Additionally, the development of a robust charging infrastructure is crucial to support the widespread use of electric vehicles. Companies like AT&T should also invest in building a network of charging stations to enable convenient and efficient charging for their electric fleet.
The partnership between AT&T and Rivian is a promising step towards a greener future, showcasing the potential of electric vehicles in corporate fleets. By embracing alternative fuels and zero-emission vehicles, companies can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
As more companies follow suit, the demand for electric vehicles will continue to grow, driving innovation and cost reduction in the industry. This will make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of customers, further accelerating the transition to a greener transportation sector.
In conclusion, the partnership between AT&T and Rivian to purchase electric vehicles for their fleet is a positive development towards sustainability and emission reduction. However, to encourage widespread adoption, governments, financial institutions, and companies need to work together to overcome challenges such as high interest rates and the development of a robust charging infrastructure. By investing in alternative fuels and zero-emission vehicles, companies can play a vital role in creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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