Amazon.com (AMZN.US) has initiated testing of Chevrolet BrightDrop electric delivery vans for its delivery fleet, putting pressure on Rivian Automotive, Inc. (RIVN.US) stock following the announcement. The e-commerce giant confirmed it is evaluating alternative supplier options beyond its existing Rivian Automotive, Inc. delivery vehicles as part of its commitment to deploy 100,000 electric delivery vans by 2030, signaling Amazon.com's potential shift toward supply chain diversification rather than sole reliance on Rivian Automotive, Inc.

Looking back at their partnership history, Amazon.com reached an agreement with Rivian Automotive, Inc. in September 2019 to procure 100,000 electric delivery vans and committed to making a "significant" investment in the company. However, Rivian Automotive, Inc. has delivered only 30,000 vans to date, with the company's CEO projecting substantial production increases won't materialize until 2026-2027.

To address the delivery shortfall, Amazon.com is testing vehicles from multiple automakers including General Motors (GM.US), Ford (F.US), Stellantis (STLA.US), and Mercedes-Benz (MBGYY.US). For General Motors, securing Amazon.com's business would provide significant momentum for its nascent commercial electric vehicle operations. The company integrated its BrightDrop division into GM Evolve last year, a unit focused on supplying fleet vehicles to corporate and government clients.

The BrightDrop electric delivery van, featuring a 272-mile driving range, has already been adopted by FedEx (FDX.US) and various public sector fleets. This collaboration testing with Amazon.com could further expand its market applications and commercial reach.