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Amazon partners with micromobility startup Also to introduce pedal-assist cargo vehicles designed for urban package deliveries.
Amazon Teams Up with Also for Innovative Pedal-Assist Cargo Vehicles
A New Era of Urban Delivery
In a significant development for the logistics and micromobility sectors, Amazon has announced a commercial agreement with the startup Also, which has its roots in Rivian. This multi-year collaboration aims to provide Amazon with thousands of custom-built pedal-assist cargo quad vehicles capable of carrying over 400 pounds of packages. The vehicles are designed to easily navigate bike lanes, revolutionizing the way delivery services operate in urban areas.
Customization for Delivery Efficiency
Under the terms of this partnership, Amazon and Also will focus on tailoring these vehicles to meet the specific needs of the e-commerce giant in both Europe and the United States. The TM-Q pedal-assist electric quads are set to launch in spring 2026, as announced during a recent event in Oakland, California. This innovative approach positions Amazon to enhance its last-mile delivery capabilities in densely populated cities.
A Foundation Built on Partnership
Although Also is a newcomer to the industry, its leadership has a longstanding relationship with Amazon through Rivian. The electric vehicle manufacturer has already supplied Amazon with over 25,000 electric delivery vans, a testament to their effective collaboration. “Our familiarity with Amazon allows us to understand their needs deeply,” stated RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s founder and CEO. He emphasized that lessons learned from the electric delivery van initiative have been integral to this new project.
Leveraging Existing Technology
Also is not just another startup; it emerged from a skunkworks project within Rivian. With significant funding of $105 million from Eclipse Capital, the company remains a closely-knit entity with Rivian, which retains a minority stake. Scaringe’s involvement on the board aligns the company closely with his expertise and insights from Rivian’s operations.
Shared Technology and Design
The TM-Q vehicles and Also’s TM-B e-bike share crucial components, including a pedal-by-wire drivetrain developed by the company. Physical similarities include handlebars and a five-inch circular touchscreen that incorporates various functionalities such as navigation and fitness tracking. Users can manage their vehicle’s status via the Also app, enabling a seamless experience in the evolving landscape of micromobility.
Battery Design and Logistics Features
Also’s approach to battery design entails portability. While retaining the efficiency of their power systems, the quad vehicles are engineered for easy battery swaps, making logistics more convenient, according to Chris Yu, Also’s president. Unlike the consumer e-bike, the TM-Q will also feature software specifically designed for logistics and delivery, optimizing the urban delivery process effectively.
A Focus on Micromobility Integration
Amazon has already established over 70 micromobility hubs in various cities across the U.S. and Europe, which will be instrumental for the deployment of the TM-Q. Emily Barber, Amazon’s Director of Global Fleet, indicated that the compact size and pedal-assist functionality of the TM-Q make it particularly suitable for urban environments.
Broader Market Opportunities
Interestingly, the TM-Q vehicle isn’t just limited to Amazon. While designed for commercial use, the also intends to offer consumer variants featuring the same platform but with different configurations. This versatility opens the door not just to Amazon’s delivery services but also to regular consumers looking for efficient transport options.
Future Iterations
Both Yu and Scaringe hinted at the potential for additional models in the future. The flexibility of the TM-Q design allows for significant adaptability in meeting various customer needs. “Creating new configurations is less resource-intensive than traditional automotive designs,” Scaringe noted lightheartedly.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon and Also are collaborating to create pedal-assist cargo vehicles tailored for urban delivery.
- The vehicles will launch in spring 2026 and are designed for easy navigation in dense city areas.
- Also originates from a Rivian project and benefits from previous insights in electric vehicle logistics.
- The TM-Q vehicles will enhance Amazon’s existing micromobility hubs located across the U.S. and Europe.
- Future consumer versions of the TM-Q will be available for a broader market, promoting versatility in urban transportation.
In summary, this collaboration emphasizes the increasing importance of micromobility in logistics and the ongoing innovation within the tech sector. As urbanization continues, partnerships like this pave the way for sustainable and efficient delivery solutions, reinforcing how companies can adapt to changing environments through technology.
