Rivian’s R1T is an American-made alternative to Ford’s F-150 Lightning.
EV fleet deliveries include Caltrans, Amazon, HelloFresh, and multiple California agencies.
This is Rivian seizing the moment. The American EV automaker has launched a direct appeal to fleet managers following Ford’s decision to halt production of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup, positioning its R1T as an alternative for commercial buyers.
In a LinkedIn post on Wednesday, Rivian’s Senior Manager for Fleet Sales & Management, Seth Parks, addressed potential customers affected by the cancellation. He wrote:
“Dear Fleet Managers – Were your Lightning orders canceled? Rivian can help! Our plug in electric hashtag pickup is made in Illinois and available today in crew cab short bed configuration with standard AWD, 258 to 420 miles range, starting at $73k. To learn more message me – let’s talk!”
Parks highlights that the R1T is ready for work and for “pick up” now. The 2026 R1T is priced from $72,990 in the U.S. ($136,000 in Canada), following recent changes that made features like the Tonneau Cover standard.
Last month, Ford announced it would discontinue the F-150 Lightning as part of a major revision to its EV plans. The automaker posted a $19.5 billion impairment charge related to its electric vehicle division. CEO Jim Farley cited weak sales of higher-priced EVs, stating that vehicles priced between U.S.$50,000 and $80,000 “just weren’t selling.”
According to Kelley Blue Book data, U.S. sales of the F-150 Lightning fell 60% year-over-year in the fourth quarter to 4,273 units. Rivian’s R1T sales also declined, dropping 35% to 1,559 units during the same period. For the full year, Lightning sales fell 18.5% to 27,307 units, while R1T deliveries dropped 33% to 7,416 units.
Ford Canada has not released specific Lightning figures. On their website, the Lightning can still be built, and final pricing is calculated with a $10,000 delivery allowance depending on trim.
To increase visibility among fleet buyers, Rivian plans to participate in several industry events over the coming months.
Rivian opened fleet orders for its Electric Delivery Van (EDV) line nearly a year ago. The van was famously originally developed for Amazon, which has committed to ordering 100,000 units by 2030. To date, Amazon has deployed over 35,000 EDVs.
Outside Amazon, Rivian has confirmed fleet contracts with several companies and Agencies, ranging from HelloFresh to the Palo Alto Police Department, among many others.
EDV sales declined in 2025, according to Cox Automotive. CEO RJ Scaringe, speaking with Goldman Sachs last September, acknowledged the slower pace of commercial electrification, though he maintained that the segment is expected to electrify through the end of the decade.
Perhaps Scaringe or Parks can reach out to Chevrolet BrightDrop owners…
Another Blow to the Canadian Auto Industry: GM Ends BrightDrop Production at Ontario’s CAMI Plant
Source: LinkedIn and Electric-Vehicles
