Also and Amazon Partner for Revolutionary Cargo Quad Vehicles
In an exciting development in the world of micromobility, Also, a startup that emerged from Rivian, has secured a commercial deal with Amazon to provide innovative pedal-assist cargo quad vehicles. These vehicles are designed to enhance package delivery efficiency in urban settings.
A New Era of Urban Delivery
Under a multi-year collaboration, Also will customize its TM-Q pedal-assist vehicles to meet Amazon’s delivery needs across Europe and the United States. Set to launch in 2026, these specialized quads can carry over 400 pounds of packages while being compact enough for bike lane usage.
Established Relationships
Although Also is a new entity, it has a solid foundation with Amazon. Rivian, the EV manufacturer of which Also is a spin-off, has previously supplied Amazon with over 25,000 electric delivery vans. This history facilitates a deeper understanding of Amazon’s requirements, allowing for seamless collaboration.
Designing for Success
Rivian’s founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, highlighted the advantage of their established partnership, stating that lessons learned from the electric delivery van program have been integrated into the design of the TM-Q quads. “There’s no guesswork,” he added, pointing to the close involvement of Rivian’s team in shaping Also’s products.
Innovative Vehicle Features
The TM-Q and Also’s TM-B ebike share a common drivetrain and design elements. Both models feature a pedal-by-wire system and a user-friendly five-inch touchscreen that syncs with the Also app for navigation, battery management, and software updates. Additionally, the TM-Q will include logistics software tailored for efficient package delivery.
Efficient Battery Solutions
One of the standout features of the TM-Q is its portable, removable battery. Also’s President Chris Yu mentioned ongoing efforts to create battery docking stations, allowing easy swapping for extended operational hours.
Meeting Urban Delivery Needs
The compact size and pedal-assist feature of the TM-Q make it an ideal solution for urban package deliveries. With over 70 micromobility hubs already operational in U.S. and European cities, Amazon is well-positioned to utilize these new vehicles effectively.
Broadening the Market
While Amazon will be a primary customer, Also plans to offer the TM-Q to a broader audience. A consumer version of the TM-Q will feature a bench system, making it suitable for families, pets, and shopping.
Future Innovations on the Horizon
Leaders from Also hinted at the possibility of new iterations of the quad, suggesting that the flexibility of the underlying platform allows for diverse applications. “Innovating on this quad platform is significantly more economical than traditional vehicle designs,” Scaringe noted.
Conclusion
The partnership between Also and Amazon marks a significant leap towards sustainable and efficient urban delivery solutions. As these pedal-assist cargo vehicles prepare to hit the streets, they could revolutionize how goods are transported in dense urban environments.
Related Keywords: pedal-assist vehicles, micromobility solutions, electric delivery vans, urban delivery efficiency, Rivian partnership, TM-Q quad, sustainable transportation.
