Key Takeaways
- Rivian’s spinoff company, Also, secured a $105 million investment and will focus on creating efficient, affordable EVs.
- Also plans to launch its flagship product in early 2026, targeting the U.S. and Europe before expanding globally.
- Rivian maintains a substantial minority stake in Also, marking potential collaboration opportunities in the future.
New Electric Vehicle Venture Aims for Efficiency
Also, a micromobility startup spun off by Rivian, is poised to challenge the trend of larger electric vehicles by focusing on producing smaller, more efficient options. Based in Palo Alto, California, Also has attracted a $105 million investment from Eclipse Ventures to kickstart its operations. Rivian, which retains a significant minority stake in the new venture, is set to support future collaborations, possibly utilizing Rivian’s retail space.
The flagship product from Also is scheduled for launch in early 2026, with the initial markets being the U.S. and Europe before a broader global rollout. The company emphasizes its commitment to creating a range of “exciting, small EVs” built on a vertically integrated technology platform. This includes in-house design and production of core components such as motors, batteries, electronics, and software, which Also claims will provide an unprecedented user experience.
The mission of Also is to inspire consumers to choose their electric vehicles over traditional cars, trucks, and SUVs. In its job postings, the company notes its aspiration to replace many local vehicle miles with more affordable and enjoyable options that are 10 to 50 times more efficient than conventional vehicles. Additionally, Also highlights that road transportation is currently the leading source of global CO2 emissions, noting that a significant percentage of car trips are relatively short.
Rivian itself is gearing up for smaller vehicle introductions as well, in addition to its flagship R1T electric pickup and R1S SUV. The company plans to release its $45,000 R2 electric SUV in 2026 and is developing the R3 and R3X hatchbacks. This strategy is complemented by a $5.8 billion joint venture with Volkswagen, which aims to create a new architecture for future EVs within the VW Group.
As the automotive industry grapples with the challenges of size, efficiency, and emissions, Also is positioning itself to offer a new perspective on electric mobility, catering to consumer needs for smaller, more sustainable transportation options. The upcoming years will reveal whether Also can effectively disrupt the market and provide an appealing alternative to the prevailing trend toward larger electric vehicles.
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