Rivian Still Leads America's Electric Van Market Despite Falling Sales

Rivian’s Commercial Van stays the top-selling electric van in the US, while Chevrolet BrightDrop, Ford E-Transit, and Mercedes eSprinter reshape the growing EV fleet market.

Rivian remains the top player in America’s electric van market, even as its sales slow. According to Cox Automotive, the company delivered 6,809 Rivian Commercial Vans (RCV) in the first three quarters of 2025 — down 24.6% year-over-year but still ahead of its R1T pickup. In the third quarter alone, Rivian sold 2,639 vans, 41.5% fewer than a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the R1S SUV has become Rivian’s strongest performer, with 8,184 sales in Q3 — a 140.3% increase over last year. This surge reflects Rivian’s shift toward efficiency and cost control while its commercial segment temporarily cools.

Chevrolet’s BrightDrop is rapidly closing the gap. After being folded into the Chevrolet brand and distributed through GM’s dealer network, sales have soared — 2,384 units in Q3 (+869.1%) and 3,976 year-to-date (+300.8%). Production at the CAMI plant in Ontario has been central to that rebound.

Ford’s E-Transit tells a different story, with just 430 sales in the third quarter (down 85.4%) and 4,604 for the year so far. Ford is preparing an updated model with extended range, but current demand has weakened. Mercedes-Benz’s eSprinter, on the other hand, is gaining momentum, selling 320 units in Q3 and 495 in total since launch — modest figures but steady growth for the German brand.

The RCV remains not only the country’s best-selling electric van but also a cornerstone of corporate fleets, especially Amazon’s. Analysts suggest the drop in sales is linked to the end of Rivian’s exclusive contract and transitional ordering phases, rather than waning interest.

Rivian continues to expand production at its Illinois plant and is building a new factory in Georgia, expected to open by 2028. Despite the current slowdown, the U.S. electric van market is growing steadily, and competition among Rivian, Chevrolet, Ford, and Mercedes is intensifying.