A tiny change in the code doomed drivers to exhaust from the heat.
Summer heat quickly turns the service van from a workplace to a source of risk, and Amazon drivers complained that the new EDV-powered electric vans prevents them from cooling between frequent stops.
We are talking about the Rivian vans, created specifically for Amazon. According to the drivers, after updating the firmware, the air conditioner is shut down if a person leaves the car, and the side sliding door remains open for more than 30 seconds. Complaints appeared at the beginning of the summer season, when delivery becomes especially difficult due to the high temperature.
Amazon said the update, on the contrary, prolongs the work of climate control. According to the company, the air conditioner can work up to 10 minutes after the driver’s exit, and the timer is dropped at each stop. Disconnecting after 30 seconds with an open door, the company calls a measure to save battery power.
Drivers see the problem differently. During the shift, they often leave the van, spread the parcels to several addresses and spend more time off the cabin than driving. During this time, the car is heated again, and after returning, the air conditioner does not always have time to cool the cabin until the next stop.
The company emphasizes that all branded Amazon cars are equipped with air conditioning, and cars with a faulty cooling system are immediately removed from the route. Amazon also mentions refrigerated seats and recommendations for working in the heat, including breaks in a cool place and drinking water. At the same time, drivers work through the network of DSP contractors, and it is to them that Amazon advises to seek clarification on the update.
The situation shows how a small change in the program logic of working transport can affect the conditions of the shift. Formally, the air conditioner does not turn off completely and continues to work in a number of scenarios, but with a typical delivery rhythm, the restriction with the open door can prevent drivers from cooling between stops quickly.
Summer heat quickly turns the service van from a workplace to a source of risk, and Amazon drivers complained that the new EDV-powered electric vans prevents them from cooling between frequent stops.
We are talking about the Rivian vans, created specifically for Amazon. According to the drivers, after updating the firmware, the air conditioner is shut down if a person leaves the car, and the side sliding door remains open for more than 30 seconds. Complaints appeared at the beginning of the summer season, when delivery becomes especially difficult due to the high temperature.
Amazon said the update, on the contrary, prolongs the work of climate control. According to the company, the air conditioner can work up to 10 minutes after the driver’s exit, and the timer is dropped at each stop. Disconnecting after 30 seconds with an open door, the company calls a measure to save battery power.
Drivers see the problem differently. During the shift, they often leave the van, spread the parcels to several addresses and spend more time off the cabin than driving. During this time, the car is heated again, and after returning, the air conditioner does not always have time to cool the cabin until the next stop.
The company emphasizes that all branded Amazon cars are equipped with air conditioning, and cars with a faulty cooling system are immediately removed from the route. Amazon also mentions refrigerated seats and recommendations for working in the heat, including breaks in a cool place and drinking water. At the same time, drivers work through the network of DSP contractors, and it is to them that Amazon advises to seek clarification on the update.
The situation shows how a small change in the program logic of working transport can affect the conditions of the shift. Formally, the air conditioner does not turn off completely and continues to work in a number of scenarios, but with a typical delivery rhythm, the restriction with the open door can prevent drivers from cooling between stops quickly.
