FYI: Rivian and Ben & Jerry’s have combined forces to create an eco-friendly ice cream truck just in time for South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.
Rivian and Ben & Jerry’s Unveil Electrifying Partnership with New Ice Cream Truck
In an exciting new development for electric vehicles and sweet treats, Rivian, known for its groundbreaking EV technology, has collaborated with ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s to introduce an electrifying innovation to the streets. Unveiled in a thrilling announcement on Tuesday, the companies have launched two electric "Scoop Trucks" as part of Rivian’s ongoing effort to demonstrate the flexibility and utility of its Commercial Van (RCV).
Launch at SXSW and Beyond
The electric Scoop Trucks are set to make their first public appearance at the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas. From Friday onwards, attendees can get their share of eco-friendly scoops while witnessing the green revolution in the culinary on wheels firsthand. Following this event, the trucks will tour the United States and participate in exclusive pop-up events in Vermont, home to Ben & Jerry’s, further spreading their sweet charm across the nation.
Specifications and Features
Built on the Rivian RCV 500 platform, the trucks boast a robust 161-mile range and an impressive length of 248.5 inches, powered by a 100 kWh LFP battery capable of 100 kW charging speeds. These eco-conscious mobile ice cream parlors even include an additional air conditioning unit to maintain prime temperatures for their delicious cargo.
Enthusiasm from Both Partners
Brian Gase, Rivian’s Senior Director of Prototype Development, expressed his excitement: “Collaborating with the Ben & Jerry’s team to build the next generation of electric scoop trucks has been an incredible experience. We’re thrilled to see people interacting with our innovation for the first time at SXSW.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sean Slattery, Ben & Jerry’s U.S. Integrated Marketing project lead, said, “Working with Rivian, a leader committed to sustainability, is truly an ice cream dream come true. Rivian has helped us cut down on fossil fuel dependence in a cool, creative way.”
Future Prospects and Strategic Moves
Beyond Ben & Jerry’s, Rivian is engaging with SXSW attendees in a broader initiative with its "Electric Roadhouse" exhibit. This will feature panel discussions, demo drives, and spotlight the upcoming R2 line. By also sponsoring SXSW’s Transportation Track, Rivian reinforces its dedication to sustainable transport innovation.
In parallel, Rivian’s ongoing projects include deploying its Electric Delivery Vans (EDVs), primarily with Amazon, and gearing up to construct a new factory in Georgia. Despite recent federal funding challenges, Rivian has secured a significant agreement with the Department of Energy, ensuring the brand’s forward momentum in the EV sphere.
About Rivian’s Fleet Expansion
Since December, Rivian has efficiently rolled out over 20,000 of its Electric Delivery Vans from its Illinois facility, with further expansion planned. This bold push into commercial utility spaces highlights Rivian’s strategic adaptation and scalability within their product offerings.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
