A Rivian spokesperson told Reuters in an email:
"A part shortage has temporarily impacted our Electric Delivery Van (EDV) production. We expect to recover all missed production."
The company didn't say which part they're missing or when they'll start making vans again. But they're keeping all the van production workers on full-time hours during the break.
Amazon isn't too worried about the delay. Their spokesperson said in an email to Bloomberg:
"We're aware that Rivian encountered short-term production issues this month, and we don't expect it to impact us."
Rivian and Amazon have been working together since 2019. Back then, Amazon ordered 100,000 electric vans from Rivian. They started using the vans in 2022 and plan to have all 100,000 on the road by 2030. So far, Amazon has more than 15,000 Rivian vans making deliveries.
The relationship between the two companies has changed a bit. Amazon used to be the only customer for Rivian's vans, but that deal ended last year. Amazon still owns 16% of Rivian, though, and the van sales made up 19% of Rivian's money last year.
Rivian's been growing fast. They delivered 20,322 vehicles in 2022 and more than doubled that to 50,122 in 2023. This year, they're aiming to make 57,000 vehicles.
