Amazon Partners with Rivian Spinoff Also for Electric Cargo Quad Fleet Expansion

Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Urban Logistics

Amazon has reportedly entered into a multi-year collaboration with micromobility startup Also, a company spun out of electric vehicle maker Rivian, to integrate thousands of pedal-assist cargo quad vehicles into its delivery network. According to reports, the TM-Q electric quads are designed to transport over 400 pounds of packages while navigating bike lanes, addressing last-mile logistics challenges in dense urban areas.

Shared Expertise and Seamless Integration

Sources indicate that the partnership builds on existing relationships between the companies. Rivian, where Also originated as a skunkworks project, has previously supplied Amazon with more than 25,000 electric delivery vans. RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO, emphasized the synergy, stating that coordination occurs through a unified fleet management portal. “There’s no guesswork,” Scaringe noted, highlighting how Rivian’s proximity to Amazon informed Also’s development process.

Innovative Vehicle Design and Technology

The TM-Q cargo quads share core technology with Also’s consumer e-bike, the TM-B, including a proprietary pedal-by-wire drivetrain and a removable battery system. Analysts suggest the vehicles feature a built-in circular touchscreen for navigation and vehicle management, syncing with the Also app for software updates and security controls. Unlike traditional designs, the quad’s batteries are portable, with the company reportedly developing dock stations for swift swapping.

Commercial and Consumer Applications

While the TM-Q will initially focus on commercial logistics, sources confirm that a consumer version without delivery van toppers is also in development. Also President Chris Yu described the platform’s versatility, noting that the underlying quad design supports various configurations—from cargo carriers to passenger benches. Scaringe added that adapting the “top hat” for new uses is significantly more cost-effective than traditional vehicle modifications.

Expanding Micromobility Infrastructure

Amazon’s Director of Global Fleet, Emily Barber, stated that the company already operates over 70 micromobility hubs across the U.S. and Europe. The TM-Q quads are expected to enhance these networks by combining pedal-assist efficiency with emissions-free operation. The vehicles’ compact size and payload capacity reportedly make them ideal for navigating congested city streets while reducing environmental impact.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

The partnership signals a growing trend in electrified urban delivery solutions, with Also poised to serve additional clients beyond Amazon. Industry observers suggest the collaboration could accelerate adoption of micromobility technologies in commercial logistics, leveraging Rivian’s manufacturing scale and Amazon’s operational reach. As Yu and Scaringe hinted, future iterations of the quad platform may introduce further innovations tailored to evolving urban transport needs.

References & Further Reading

This article draws from multiple authoritative sources. For more information, please consult:

• https://eclipse.capital/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivian
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_(company)
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-terrain_vehicle
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micromobility

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