A once-iconic summer tradition—the roaming ice cream truck—has become increasingly rare, with modern vendors opting to station themselves in high-foot-traffic areas rather than driving through neighborhoods. However, ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s is embracing the future while nodding to the past by teaming up with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian to create the next generation of ice cream trucks.
These new electric vans, based on the Rivian Commercial Van, have been specially modified to meet Ben & Jerry’s needs. The vehicles feature a vibrant design reminiscent of the brand’s signature pint packaging and an additional air conditioning unit to keep frozen treats at optimal temperatures.
Set to debut at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, the initiative represents a step forward in sustainability. According to Rivian, the collaboration provides Ben & Jerry’s with a reliable and energy-efficient solution while reducing its environmental impact.
“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, Rivian’s Prototype Development Senior Director.
By electrifying its fleet, Ben & Jerry’s aims to modernize the nostalgic ice cream truck experience while contributing to a greener future.
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