Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s and electric vehicle producer Rivian recently teamed on a pair of EV “scoop trucks,” offering their version of the ice cream truck of the future.
Built on Rivian commercial van platforms, the new Ben & Jerry’s scoop trucks are designed to “modernize everything people love about an ice cream truck.” The vehicles debuted earlier this month at the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) event in Austin, Texas.
“Collaborating with the Ben & Jerry’s team to build the next generation of electric scoop trucks has been an incredible experience. It’s one of those projects that just makes the team smile,” said Brian Gase, senior director of prototype development at Rivian.
The trucks are hitting the road, bringing good eats and good vibes to the Rivian community across the country, with plans to pop up at events in Ben & Jerry’s home state of Vermont, according to officials. Rivian’s recent announcement launching the Rivian Commercial Van to businesses across the U.S. helped make the scoop trucks possible, offering unique solutions to fleet customers looking to transition off fossil fuels and into modern, electric commercial solutions.
“Working with Rivian, an industry leader that is committed to sustainability, is an ice cream dream come true,” said Ben & Jerry’s Sean Slattery, U.S. integrated marketing project lead. “Today, Rivian helped Ben & Jerry’s reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in a small way, while making things a little bit cooler… which, as an ice cream company, is extremely difficult to do!”
Part of Ben & Jerry’s mission is to use its operations to have a positive impact on its community and the planet. The company believes the alliance will help serve up smiles by bringing a Ben & Jerry’s experience to fans with the added benefit of a reduced environmental footprint.
Rivian Commercial Vans offer an estimated range of 161 miles.