FYI: Rivian introduces Also, its new electric micromobility company set to release innovative urban transportation solutions by 2026.
In the rapidly transforming landscape of personal transportation, Rivian is making a bold move to enter the micromobility space with its new venture, aptly named Also. Moving beyond the traditional scope of car manufacturing, Rivian is setting its sights on revolutionizing city commuting with sustainable solutions that are compact yet impactful.
Rising Above Conceptual Stage
The auto industry’s ongoing narrative of transitioning into "mobility companies" is often met with skepticism as many concepts fail to materialize into market-ready products. However, Rivian’s Also is determined to break this trend. According to Chris Yu, president of Also, the new company is committed to delivering tangible products that urban commuters can purchase, rather than just theoretical models.
A Vision Beyond Cars
Rivian’s journey with Also began over three years ago as a "skunkworks" initiative within the company, focusing on neighborhood electric vehicles and two- and three-wheel designs. As a standalone sibling enterprise, Also aims to apply a vertically integrated and software-driven framework similar to Rivian’s vehicle strategies. This approach promises a diverse array of micromobility options, each tailored to the needs of metropolitan travelers.
Strategic Investments and Partnerships
Rivian’s partnership with Palo Alto firm Eclipse has already secured $105 million in Series B funding to empower Also’s ambitious mission. Furthermore, Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, plays an active role in guiding Also’s future as a board member, ensuring a seamless integration between the two companies’ innovative cultures.
Reimagining Urban Mobility
Chris Yu underscores the pressing need to address congested urban environments with lower-emission alternatives. Like Paris, many cities are curbing car usage to promote cleaner, efficient transportation forms. The emergence of micromobility solutions is reshaping how people approach short trips, serving as a practical alternative of choice for the growing number of individuals opting out of conventional car ownership.
Sustainable Growth and Market Entry
The micro-mobility market is witnessing significant growth, with non-car transport solutions like e-scooters and shared bicycles thriving, showing an annual increase between 8% and 17% since 2018. With more cities globally endorsing sustainable transport means, Rivian’s Also is poised to capture an expanding market share by leveraging these positive trends.
A Future Driven by Innovation
Yu reveals that Also aims to release a series of consumer and commercial micromobility innovations by 2026, with the flagship product expected to launch first in the U.S., soon followed by European markets. These offerings will focus on private ownership, enhancing personal transportation on a global scale through cutting-edge design and electrification.
Conclusion
Rivian’s Also represents a significant stride into the electric micromobility space, set to redefine urban mobility. With a focus on practical, scalable solutions, Rivian is navigating new terrains to create an eco-friendly, efficient, and diverse transportation ecosystem. Stay tuned as Rivian and Also chart the course for a cleaner, more agile mobility future.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
