Entrepreneur needed!

[adam12]

Hope someone with entrepreneur spirit can do mods to the Rivian van platform and make something in the spirit of this Airstream. I would definitely look at this if it was released.

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[MountainBikeDude]

So, I was watching a review @OutofSpecKyle did on the Bright Drop GM delivery van this morning (old video) But in it, he touched on Rivian offering a dual motor AWD and maybe even a quad motor EDV platform. Not sure if this was just a leftover from the now defunct Mercedes -Rivian JV, or if it is something Rivian is still exploring.

A dual motor version with similar Brightdrop range of 200+ miles, would make a better platform for a sprinter style Adventure Van

 

[COdogman]

So even if I'm an entrepreneur that has never built a vehicle you want me to do this? Ok.... here you go!

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

There are quite a few upfitters out there (big shops and relatively small) who could start placing orders for these if there is demand.

I do think there are some limitations with the EDV that would make it a lot more difficult to convert to a camper van than some of the other platforms, but if a demand is there I'm sure someone will do it.

 

[sub]

The first step would be modding it with a bigger battery. The Rivian van doesn't have enough range for this sort of use.

160 miles EPA range means that that you have 112 miles in a real-world 80%-10% cycle. And that assumes you actually get EPA efficiency which you won't get at highway speeds or on gravel roads, or if the weather isn't perfect. 90 miles is probably more realistic. So that is 45 miles in and 45 miles out.

But it gets "better" - that assumes no vampire drain and no electricity used at your destination. If you were hoping to use the AC while you are parked it is probably more like 25 miles max between your campsite and the nearest charger.

The battery needs to be a LOT bigger for this to be useful.

 

[johnj2803]

problem with the current EDVs is range and charging speeds. Its not ideal as a camper. Maybe they will have a variant for this particular use case soon.

 

[NY_Rob]

problem with the current EDVs is range and charging speeds. Its not ideal as a camper. Maybe they will have a variant for this particular use case soon.

According to the several Amazon EDV drivers I've spoken with... due to it's cavernous interior it takes a lot of heat to get and keep it warm inside during the winter which of course kills range. So, they're working their shifts inside a cold vehicle.. they are not happy with the EDV's currently. Two in particular also mentioned that the factory tires are very bad in winter slop conditions.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Think about how last mile delivery vans are used in a 12 hour cycle (lots of idling, with little energy consumption). Then think about how a camper van is used in same 12 hour period as it transit towards a destination (mostly driving between charging stations and rate of energy consumption between those stops). Then, think about current range estimates as a delivery van (160 mi at best).

Furthermore, think about how much weight gets added during conversion process; among which… water. Ever backpacked in the wilderness while carrying a couple gallons of water along with all of your gear? It’s not light. A gallon of water weighs 8.34 lbs. A Winnebago Revel (Sprinter conversion) has a water store of 35 gallons. That’s close to 300 lbs for water alone. Then, you add insulation, all of the interior trimmings, toilet & shower, a kitchen, a bed… heating/cooling equipment (which consumes energy). AWD Sprinter 2500 Cargo has curb weight of around 5,192 lbs. The Winnebago has a curb weight of around 7,294 lbs. The Rivian vans have a payload capacity of around 2500 lbs.

If you haven’t thought about these things already, you haven’t thought through your proposal. It’s an impractical application/conversion with a high price tag. There would not be enough buyers willing to pay for a camper van with significantly compromised range, even at the same cost of a ICE counterpart. Without a business case, it’s a nonstarter for any entrepreneur. This is something only an influencer—with too much disposable income—would do as a one-off, just to create internet fodder.

 

[Dark-Fx]

So, I was watching a review @OutofSpecKyle did on the Bright Drop GM delivery van this morning (old video) But in it, he touched on Rivian offering a dual motor AWD and maybe even a quad motor EDV platform. Not sure if this was just a leftover from the now defunct Mercedes -Rivian JV, or if it is something Rivian is still exploring.

A dual motor version with similar Brightdrop range of 200+ miles, would make a better platform for a sprinter style Adventure Van

At least so far for 2025, Rivian hasn't planned on selling anything but single motor.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

At least so far for 2025, Rivian hasn't planned on selling anything but single motor.

One can hope!

 

[Dark-Fx]

One can hope!

They had AWD information at one point on the fleet page, but last time I went through I couldn't find anything about it anymore. I'll see if I can get the fleet sales people to give me info on if/when it might be coming, etc.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I share in your enthusiasm!I immediately thought of this when they announced sales of the EDV.

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