A new startup focused on creating happiness with micromobility, born out of Rivian, has launched. Given its unprecedented financial backing and bold vision for the future of urban transportation, the company has secured $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures, aiming to revolutionize the micromobility landscape with innovative and affordable electric vehicles. Importantly, it will function independently of the Corps. Along the way, it will smartly leverage Rivian’s technology and expertise to achieve its lofty targets.
Most important of all, you have a team of nearly 70 talented specialists. These experienced tech professionals come to us from heavyweights like Apple, Google, Specialized, Tesla, REI Co-Op, and Uber, and they’re poised to help us make tremendous micromobility impacts. The company plans to reveal its first production vehicle designs later this year. In 2023, it will launch production of its flagship product, the light electric vehicle intended to compete for consumers in the US and European markets.
A New Chapter for Rivian
Also's inception marks an exciting chapter for Rivian, with its CEO, RJ Scaringe, playing a pivotal role in the startup's formation. Though Scaringe had previously put his plans for e-bikes and micromobility on the back burner while focusing on Rivian’s growth, now his vision for Also is taking center stage.
“Oh, wow, we have all this capability,” noted RJ Scaringe, highlighting the potential that Rivian's resources bring to the new venture.
Chris Yu, the president of Also, emphasized the potential of small form factor EVs to transform urban environments. Before that, he was Rivian’s VP of future programs.
“You could almost say that the need for small form factor EVs is a little bit more acute on the commercial side than the consumer side, especially within dense metro areas, particularly in Europe [where city centers are] shut down to cars and vans,” stated Chris Yu.
Expanding Horizons
Also’s ambitious plans reach well beyond the U.S. and European markets. The company plans to launch new vehicles specifically designed for consumer and commercial markets in Asia and South America. Now that trend is reflected in their national strategy, which supports the growing need for smaller, more efficient transportation options in our nation’s crowded metropolitan regions.
Jiten Behl, a second key driver behind the micromobility venture, spoke about communities needing outside-of-the-box ideas to address burgeoning infrastructure challenges.
“If you look at our cities, the infrastructure is such that you can’t have large cars driving around. but they still have mobility needs. We need something different, something smaller, something more flexible,” commented Jiten Behl.
The challenge for the startup will be to bring costs down as they increase production volumes. They’ll take advantage of a deeper supply chain to bring Rivian-quality micromobility within reach at more affordable costs.
A Bike-Like Form Factor
Also’s first product will have a bike-like form factor that merges everyday usefulness with new school technology. The first vehicle will have things like a seat, two wheels, a display and a battery packed inside.
“There’s a seat, and there’s two wheels, there’s a screen, and there’s a few computers and a battery,” described RJ Scaringe, providing insight into the design philosophy behind the new product.
With Scaringe on its board, Also will remain in touch with Rivian. Along the way, it will work to maintain its autonomy as a for-profit entity. This transactional relationship further lets Also take advantage of Rivian’s built-out retail network and economies of scale.