![](https://www.wjbc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/389/2023/12/1214Rivian-1024x535.jpg)
By Blake Haas
NORMAL – One of the world’s largest telecommunications companies inked a deal with Rivian Automotive for a new pilot program.
Rivian announced the company signed an agreement for AT&T to purchase Rival electric vehicles for AT&T’s fleet for a program designed to cut transport emissions.
AT&T expects to add the Rivian Commercial Van and R1 vehicles to its fleet in early 2024.
Rivian produces their vans and R1 vehicles at a manufacturing plant in Normal.
In addition to the deal, AT&T became the exclusive connectivity provider to all Rivian vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.
The deal comes on the heels of Rivian ending their exclusivity deal with Amazon, who owns 20% of the company.
Neither company disclosed the details on how many vehicles AT&T is purchasing.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].