Rivian and Ben & Jerry’s Roll Out Electric Ice Cream Trucks for a Sustainable Sweet Treat

Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is teaming up with Ben & Jerry’s to introduce a pair of all-electric ice cream trucks. This collaboration, revealed just weeks after Rivian broadened its Rivian Commercial Van (RCV) sales beyond Amazon, signifies a appetizing stride toward sustainable snacking. These “Scoop Trucks,” built on the RCV platform, are scheduled to debut at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas, starting this Friday, before embarking on a tour across the United States, including stops at Ben & Jerry’s headquarters in Vermont. this initiative highlights the growing trend of electrifying commercial fleets and promoting environmental responsibility within the food industry.

The partnership between Rivian and Ben & Jerry’s embodies a blend of innovation and environmental consciousness. By electrifying the ice cream truck experience, the two companies aim to lessen reliance on fossil fuels while delivering a delightful treat to consumers. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainability within the food and transportation industries, showcasing the potential for electric vehicles to transform various sectors. The move also underscores the increasing demand for eco-amiable solutions in everyday consumer experiences.

The “Scoop Truck”: An Electric Dream Come True

The “Scoop Trucks” are based on the Rivian Commercial Van (RCV), which Rivian recently launched to commercial customers beyond its initial exclusive partnership with Amazon. This expansion of the RCV’s availability opens up new possibilities for businesses looking to electrify thier fleets and embrace sustainable transportation solutions. The Scoop Truck represents one of the first modular applications of the RCV since its wider release. The RCV platform’s versatility allows for various customizations, making it an ideal choice for businesses with unique operational needs.

Brian Gase, Rivian’s Senior Director of Prototype Progress, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating:

Collaborating with the Ben & Jerry’s team to build the next generation of electric scoop trucks has been an unbelievable experience. It’s one of those projects that just makes the team smile. We can’t wait for people to stop by for some ice cream and see it in action for the first time during SXSW!
Brian Gase, Rivian’s Senior Director of Prototype Progress

this sentiment captures the excitement surrounding the collaboration and the anticipation for the public debut of the electric ice cream trucks.The project exemplifies how companies can combine innovation with a commitment to sustainability, creating positive experiences for both consumers and the environment.

specifications and Features

The Scoop trucks are believed to be based on the Rivian RCV 500 model. This variant offers an estimated range of 161 miles and measures 248.5 inches in overall length. The electric van is equipped with a 100 kWh LFP battery pack and supports charging speeds of up to 100 kW. These specifications make the RCV 500 a practical and efficient platform for commercial applications, including the unique demands of an ice cream truck. The RCV 500’s design prioritizes efficiency and reliability, making it well-suited for urban delivery routes and commercial operations.

To ensure the ice cream stays frozen and delicious, the RCVs have been equipped with an additional air conditioning unit mounted on the roof. This modification, spotted in a photograph shared on Reddit from Irvine, California, highlights the attention to detail in adapting the RCV for its new role. The added air conditioning unit demonstrates the commitment to maintaining product quality while embracing sustainable transportation solutions.

A Sustainable Sweet Treat

Sean Slattery, Ben & Jerry’s U.S. Integrated Marketing project lead, emphasized the importance of sustainability in the partnership:

Working with Rivian, an industry leader that is committed to sustainability is an ice cream dream come true.Today, Rivian helped Ben & Jerry’s reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in a small way, while making things a little bit cooler… which, as an ice cream company, is extremely challenging to do.
Sean Slattery, Ben & Jerry’s U.S. Integrated Marketing project lead

The collaboration underscores Ben & Jerry’s commitment to environmental obligation and its ongoing efforts to minimize its carbon footprint. by partnering with Rivian, the ice cream company is taking a tangible step toward a more sustainable future. This initiative aligns with Ben & Jerry’s long-standing dedication to social and environmental causes, reinforcing its brand values and appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Rivian’s Broader Initiatives at SXSW

Beyond the Scoop Truck debut, Rivian is actively participating in the SXSW festival with an “Electric Roadhouse” exhibit. This exhibit will feature panel discussions, demo drives, live music, and a preview of the upcoming R2 line of vehicles. Rivian is also an official sponsor of the festival’s Transportation Track event. While the exact role of the Scoop Truck at the Rivian event remains undisclosed,it is indeed indeed expected to be a prominent attraction.Rivian’s presence at SXSW underscores its commitment to innovation and its efforts to engage with a diverse audience of technology enthusiasts, industry leaders, and consumers.

Rivian’s Expanding Footprint

the collaboration with Ben & Jerry’s comes as Rivian continues to expand its presence in the electric vehicle market.In December, Rivian announced the deployment of 20,000 Electric Delivery Vans (EDVs) for Amazon. These EDVs, produced at Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois, alongside the R1T and R1S models, represent a notable step toward electrifying last-mile delivery services. The vans are available in two configurations, the RCV 500 and the longer RCV 700, both of which are now offered for fleet sales. The deployment of EDVs for Amazon demonstrates Rivian’s ability to scale production and meet the demands of large commercial clients.

Rivian is also planning to build a factory in Georgia, supported by a $6.6 billion loan from the Department of Energy (DOE). While the project faces uncertainty due to a recent freeze on federal grants and loans, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe stated in January that the automaker has a “legally binding agreement” with the DOE, subject to various conditions. The planned factory in Georgia represents a important investment in Rivian’s future and its commitment to expanding its manufacturing capacity in the United States.

Conclusion

The partnership between Rivian and Ben & Jerry’s to create electric ice cream trucks is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable solutions across industries. By combining Rivian’s innovative electric vehicle technology with Ben & Jerry’s commitment to environmental responsibility,the “Scoop Trucks” offer a glimpse into a future where even the simplest pleasures,like enjoying a scoop of ice cream,can be part of a greener world. The debut at SXSW promises to be a sweet start to this exciting collaboration, as the electric ice cream trucks prepare to hit the road and bring smiles to faces across the United States. This initiative serves as an inspiring example of how companies can integrate sustainability into their core business practices, creating positive impacts for both the environment and society.