Amazon’s Urban Logistics Revolution: Rivian Spinoff Also to Deploy Thousands of Smart Cargo Quads

Strategic Partnership Reshapes Last-Mile Delivery

In a significant move that could transform urban package delivery, Amazon has entered into a multi-year agreement with Also, a micromobility startup that recently spun out from electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian. The partnership will see Amazon deploying thousands of Also’s innovative TM-Q pedal-assist cargo quad vehicles across its European and American delivery networks starting in 2026., according to additional coverage

The collaboration represents a strategic expansion of Amazon’s existing relationship with Rivian, which has already supplied the e-commerce giant with over 25,000 electric delivery vans. This new initiative targets the growing challenge of last-mile delivery in dense urban environments where traditional vehicles face increasing congestion and regulatory constraints., according to industry analysis

Engineering Meets Logistics Intelligence

The TM-Q cargo quads represent a sophisticated blend of micromobility and commercial logistics technology. These electric-assisted vehicles can carry more than 400 pounds of packages while remaining compact enough to navigate bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas. What sets them apart is their custom-developed software platform specifically designed to handle delivery logistics, route optimization, and charging management.

According to RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO, the close relationship between the companies eliminates guesswork in development. “Everything we learned from the EDV van program was poured into this project,” Scaringe told TechCrunch. “Having Rivian as a large shareholder enables tight coordination through one fleet management portal that manages both large vehicles like the EDV vans and the Also products.”

Shared Technology Platform Drives Efficiency

The TM-Q shares significant technological DNA with Also’s consumer TM-B ebike, including the proprietary pedal-by-wire drivetrain system. Both vehicles feature identical handlebars and a distinctive five-inch circular touchscreen that serves as the command center. This display unit shows navigation information, media controls, fitness statistics, and assist levels while syncing with the Also mobile application for battery monitoring, software updates, and security management., according to industry reports

Perhaps most innovatively, the vehicles utilize portable, removable battery technology rather than integrated large batteries. Also President Chris Yu revealed that the company is developing battery dock stations to enable quick swapping, potentially eliminating charging downtime for delivery fleets.

Urban Delivery Optimization

Emily Barber, Director of Amazon’s Global Fleet, emphasized how the TM-Q’s compact design and pedal-assist system make it ideal for dense urban environments. “Amazon has more than 70 micromobility hubs in cities across the U.S. and Europe,” Barber noted, indicating the infrastructure is already in place to support this expansion., according to additional coverage

The vehicles’ ability to bypass traffic congestion while maintaining substantial cargo capacity addresses one of the most persistent challenges in urban logistics. Their electric-assist nature also aligns with sustainability initiatives while providing the power needed for hilly terrain and heavy loads., according to market analysis

Flexible Platform Strategy

While Amazon will be a major customer, Also isn’t limiting the TM-Q platform to commercial applications. The company has also unveiled a consumer version that replaces the delivery van topper with a bench system capable of transporting passengers, children, pets, or groceries.

Yu and Scaringe hinted at future iterations, emphasizing the platform’s versatility. “It’s less about what’s on top here and it’s more about the underlying quad platform,” Yu explained. Scaringe added the economic advantage: “To do a new top hat on a car it’s like a billion dollars; to do new top hat here, it’s a lot less.”

Corporate Evolution and Funding

Also began as an internal skunkworks project within Rivian before spinning out earlier this year with a new identity and $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures. While operating as a standalone company, Also maintains close ties with Rivian, which retains a minority stake. The relationship provides access to Rivian’s automotive technology, retail presence, and economies of scale while allowing Also to focus specifically on micromobility solutions., as comprehensive coverage

The partnership demonstrates how established automotive manufacturers and emerging mobility startups can collaborate to address specific market needs, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of urban transportation and logistics.

References & Further Reading

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