In a couple of years, your Amazon deliveries might come in an electric Ram van.
Amazon is set to be the first commercial customer for the Ram ProMaster Battery Electric Vehicle when it launches in 2023, according to an announcement Wednesday.
The deal is one piece in a series of agreements between Amazon and Ram parent Stellantis, which formed last year from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Peugeot maker PSA Group.
Financial details were not revealed in the news release provided by Stellantis, but the agreement promises to put “thousands of BEV ProMasters on the road every year.”
The release said the new delivery vehicle was designed with input from Amazon, which will deploy them on routes across the United States. Amazon, which is also a backer of electric-vehicle startup Rivian, has used light commercial vehicles from Ram and other Stellantis brands, such as Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen, since 2018.
In addition, Amazon and Stellantis have agreed to work together on software for the Stellantis SmartCockpit, a system that will deliver in-vehicle features globally for Stellantis vehicles beginning in 2024, the release said.
SmartCockpit “will seamlessly integrate with customers’ digital lives to create personalized, intuitive in-vehicle experiences through AI-enhanced applications for entertainment, Alexa-enabled voice assistance, navigation, vehicle maintenance, ecommerce marketplaces and payment services,” the release said, referencing an abbreviation for artificial intelligence. “The software will offer curated services and experiences through an app store — all displayed through an intelligent, adaptive user interface design that presents timely, relevant information and features suited to each occupant’s individual needs and preferences.”
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As examples of what the software could do, the release said that Chrysler Pacifica vehicles could offer a family-trip planner recommending media content, points of interest, restaurants and other stops. Jeeps could provide a digital off-road coach to help with vehicle calibration and performance before vehicles hit tough terrain.
“Stellantis customers will also be able to manage their vehicles from their Alexa-enabled devices at home or their Alexa smartphone app, including using custom Alexa skills to set the in-cabin temperature before getting into their vehicle, schedule service, or order accessories,” the release said.
Other agreements between the two companies include making Amazon Web Services the preferred cloud provider for vehicle platforms and bringing Amazon Fire TV to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler Pacifica, following a rollout of the service in the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
“By leveraging artificial intelligence and cloud solutions, we will transform our vehicles into personalized living spaces and enhance the overall customer experience, making our vehicles the most wanted, most captivating place to be, even when not driving,” Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said in the release.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in the release that his company is “inventing solutions that will help enable Stellantis to accelerate connected and personalized in-vehicle experiences, so that every moment in motion can be smart, safe and tailored to each occupant.”
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