IRVINE, Calif. — Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian Automotive Inc. has specified Continental VanContact A/S all-season tires as an original equipment fitment option on its RPV 500 and RPV 700 delivery vans.
Continental said it developed the tire, in size LT245/70 R16 for the North American market, for the Rivian van, with an emphasis on low rolling resistance, long treadwear and high load capacity.
The EV version of the VanContact differs from "traditional" versions of the same tire in that the EV version was designed to carry higher axle loads and attention was paid to tire life by using a designated rubber compound and tread pattern, Conti said, as per Rivian's specific requirements.
Rivian is developing the RPV delivery vans initially for Amazon.com, which has invested over $1 billion in Rivian and holds a 20% ownership stake. Amazon has ordered 100,000 of the vans from Irvine-based Rivian. The 500 and 700 designations refer to the vans' cubic feet capacities.