‘Add eggs to my shopping list,’ drivers say after new Amazon feature in fast-growing EV brand gives instant Alexa access
THE hulking door of a full-size electric truck closed with a satisfying thud after I hopped into a tech-flush interior.
The Rivian R1T, one of the fastest-growing electric vehicles in America, had dozens of hidden features laden in its Amazon-inspired cabin.
I took a tour of the Rivian R1T pickup and R1S three-row SUV in the company's showroom in the Meatpacking District of New York City.
The plush cabins inside the $70,000-plus trucks are filled with hordes of gadgets and gizmos.
But one button, propped on the steering wheel, gives drivers control well beyond the road.
Drivers may even use their voice to access the system instead of a button.
All Rivian trucks have Amazon Alexa capabilities built into the interior.
Drivers can give dozens of voice commands through their cars, according to Amazon.
"Alexa, add eggs to my shopping list," Amazon said drivers can ask a Rivian.
"Alexa, lock the front door."
Most read in Motors
The button, propped on the left side of the steering wheel, will open Alexa up to a Rivian driver's request.
If the system is fully voice-operational, drivers can also access the Amazon-based capabilities with their own voice.
Drivers can also make more car-based requests.
"Alexa, take me home," the company says drivers can command the car.
When activated, Alexa will pull up Rivian's proprietary navigation screen to suggest routes to incorporate fast charging.
AMAZON ROOTS
Rivian and Amazon go way back.
In 2019, Amazon invested more than a billion dollars into the EV startup with the hopes of producing an all-electric fleet of last-mile delivery trucks.
Amazon secured an exclusive contract with the car producer, stating that all Rivian delivery vans would become Amazon trucks.
However, Amazon released Rivian from the exclusive clause in the contract in 2023, allowing the car manufacturer to sell to other private companies.
RIV REVERSE?
Rivian has built up massive brand loyalty among its customer base - but the company said there may be rocky roads ahead.
In a February earnings call, executives announced Rivian would lay off around 10% of its salaried workforce and produce nearly 30,000 fewer vehicles in 2023 than previously expected.
Electric vehicle manufacturers, slowed by supply shortages, less EV enthusiasm, and high interest rates, have seen sales slow since historic EV uptake in the third quarter of 2023.
The EV spasm forced EV producers to compete with each other, instead of with established car manufacturers, the company's CEO, RJ Scaringe, said.
"We are competing against Tesla and others in 2024," Scaringe said, referencing the lower uptake of EV cars in the US market.
Around 8% of new car sales across the US were electric vehicles in 2023.
The US is falling behind other peer countries in electric vehicle adoption.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The company made the moves ahead of a massive launch - the R2 series of cheaper, smaller SUVs and trucks that the company hopes will be its mass-selling fleet.
The R2 design will be revealed in March. The first deliveries for the series are expected in 2025.