Rivian Launches Micromobility Startup 'Also' with $105M Funding

Rivian's Micromobility Origins and the Birth of Also

Prior to establishing Rivian in 2009, RJ Scaringe’s focus centered on the concept of micromobility solutions.

Over a decade later, these initial ideas materialized into a focused internal project within Rivian.

Exploring Smaller, More Accessible Electric Vehicles

This project, a dedicated skunkworks program, aimed to determine the feasibility of adapting Rivian’s existing technology into a smaller, more cost-effective product line than their current range of electric vans, trucks, and SUVs.

The outcome of this investigation proved positive. However, Scaringe revealed to TechCrunch that the scope of the skunkworks program ultimately exceeded what could be organically developed within Rivian’s existing structure.

Also: A New Company Emerges

Now operating as an independent entity, this team – comprised of approximately 70 individuals with backgrounds from companies like Apple, Google, Specialized, Tesla, REI Co-Op, and Uber – has officially spun out of Rivian under the new name, Also.

The launch of Also is supported by $105 million in funding secured from Eclipse Ventures.

Maintaining a Close Relationship with Rivian

While operating independently, Also will maintain a strong connection with Rivian.

• Rivian will retain a minority ownership stake.
• RJ Scaringe will participate on Also’s board of directors.
• Also will utilize Rivian’s technology, retail infrastructure, and manufacturing efficiencies.

Chris Yu, formerly Rivian’s VP of future programs, will assume the role of president at Also.

Future Plans and Product Development

Also intends to begin production of its initial product offering next year, targeting consumers in both the United States and Europe.

Expansion plans include the eventual introduction of vehicles specifically designed for consumer and commercial markets in Asia and South America.

First Vehicle Reveal

Scaringe indicated that the first vehicle designs from Also will be unveiled at an event later this year.

Details regarding the initial product remain limited, though the Rivian CEO acknowledged it will feature a two-wheeled, bike-like configuration.

“The vehicle incorporates a seat, two wheels, a display screen, and essential computing components alongside a battery,” Scaringe explained.

Affordability and Supply Chain Efficiency

A key objective for Also is to deliver Rivian-quality micromobility solutions at accessible price points.

Scaringe noted the surprisingly high cost of even well-regarded e-bikes.

“Currently, a quality e-bike can range in price from $6,000 to $8,000, with premium models exceeding $10,000,” he stated. “This pricing reflects inefficiencies within a complex and multi-layered supply chain.”

Rivian’s Foray into Electric Micromobility

Initially, RJ Scaringe focused his entrepreneurial energies on developing electric passenger vehicles, such as the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, temporarily shelving concepts related to e-bikes and smaller-scale mobility solutions.

However, around 2019, Jiten Behl, formerly Rivian’s chief growth officer and a key figure in securing funding from Eclipse Ventures, recalls initiating serious discussions with Scaringe regarding the potential of a dedicated micromobility venture within Rivian.

Behl articulated a clear market need, stating that urban infrastructure often restricts the practicality of larger vehicles while still demanding accessible transportation options.

He proposed the development of alternative solutions – smaller, more adaptable modes of transport.

In 2022, Chris Yu, previously the chief product and technology officer at Specialized, joined Rivian to lead a clandestine team focused on this new initiative.

A subtle indication of Rivian’s work in this area surfaced in 2022 with the filing of a new trademark encompassing bicycles, electric bikes, and their associated components.

Scaringe briefly mentioned e-bikes during his appearance at TechCrunch Disrupt in 2022, and reports from Bloomberg in 2023 confirmed Rivian’s development efforts, though the project remained largely confidential.

Utilizing Rivian's Technological Foundation

Numerous organizations have attempted to create and market e-bikes possessing unique characteristics. However, Scaringe noted that these companies faced challenges in reducing production expenses, largely due to fragmented supply chains and limited production scales.

Scaringe explained that Rivian’s pivotal realization was its capacity to alter these factors. A significant advantage lies in the fact that Rivian has developed technology readily adaptable to smaller designs.

“A majority of firms operating in the micro-mobility sector lack comprehensive power electronics teams, software operating system development expertise, and the capability to design and manufacture computers,” he stated.

He recalled the thought process: “It became clear we possessed all of these capabilities.”

Scaringe, Yu, and Behl envision potential for Also not only within the consumer market, but also in commercial applications.

Yu highlighted that the demand for compact electric vehicles might be even greater in the commercial sector, particularly in densely populated urban areas, especially in Europe where vehicle access to city centers is restricted. “We are observing considerable interest in a scalable platform for vehicles used in food delivery, parcel services, and similar applications,” Yu explained.

Yu indicated that Also is currently engaged in “advanced conversations with several promising partners,” but refrained from disclosing their identities.

The Also team faces a substantial undertaking. Their objective is to develop small EVs for both individual consumers and commercial enterprises across a worldwide market. They are prepared to accommodate a wide range of vehicle types to meet diverse requirements.

When questioned about the possibility of producing an Also rickshaw or skateboard, Scaringe acknowledged certain practical constraints. Nevertheless, he asserted, “we won’t rule out any possibilities” within the realm of micromobility.