Amazon will buy thousands of pedal-assist cargo vehicles from Rivian spinoff Also

In an exciting development for urban logistics, micromobility startup Also, which emerged from Rivian, has secured a significant agreement with Amazon. This partnership will see Amazon acquire thousands of Also's innovative pedal-assist cargo quad vehicles, designed to accommodate over 400 pounds of packages while being compact enough for bike lanes. The collaboration, spanning multiple years, aims to tailor these pedal-assist vehicles to fulfill Amazon's delivery requirements in both Europe and the United States. The TM-Q quad vehicles are set to debut in 2026, as announced by Also during an event in Oakland, where they also introduced their new ebike, the TM-B. Despite being a relatively new entity, Also's leadership team boasts a long-standing relationship with Amazon. Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer that birthed Also, has already provided Amazon with more than 25,000 electric delivery vans. RJ Scaringe, Rivian's founder and CEO, emphasized the synergy between the two companies, stating that insights gained from the electric delivery van program have directly influenced the development of the TM-Q. The partnership is bolstered by Rivian's significant investment in Also, allowing for streamlined coordination through a unified fleet management system that oversees both large delivery vans and Also's products. This collaboration ensures that there is no ambiguity regarding Amazon's needs, with Also benefiting from extensive input from the Rivian team, which remains closely connected to Amazon. Having spun out as an independent company earlier this year with $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures, Also maintains strong ties with Rivian, which holds a minority stake in the new venture. Scaringe is set to join Also's board, and the startup will leverage Rivian's technology, market presence, and operational efficiencies. The TM-Q and TM-B models share core components, including a sophisticated pedal-by-wire drivetrain and a common design aesthetic, with features like a five-inch circular touchscreen that facilitates vehicle security and connectivity through the Also app. This touchscreen provides essential information such as navigation and battery status, allowing users to monitor their vehicles with ease. Also's approach to battery technology is notably innovative, focusing on portability and swapability rather than integrating large batteries into the quad vehicles. Chris Yu, Also's President, indicated that the company is developing battery docking stations for convenient swaps. While the TM-Q is specifically engineered for commercial use, equipped with advanced software for logistics and delivery management, it also holds promise for consumer markets. Emily Barber, Director of Amazon’s Global Fleet, noted that the TM-Q's compact design and pedal-assist capabilities make it particularly well-suited for package deliveries in densely populated urban areas. Moreover, Amazon has established over 70 micromobility hubs across the U.S. and Europe to support the operation of Also's quad cargo vehicles. Yu has confirmed that the TM-Q will not be limited to Amazon; Also plans to offer these vehicles to other customers as well, hinting at potential future variations of the quad design, including a consumer version that lacks the delivery-focused features but offers seating for friends, pets, or groceries. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the evolution of last-mile delivery solutions, blending innovative technology with practical design to meet the challenges of urban logistics.