DoorDash’s autonomous delivery plans will get an assist from the Rivian spinoff Also. On Tuesday, the companies announced a strategic partnership in which the delivery company will invest in Also. They intend to “develop and accelerate deployment of autonomous delivery at scale.”
The companies didn’t specify which micromobility vehicles will be used. Also, which Rivian spun off as a separate company in 2025, is currently focused on models that combine pedals and motorized assist.
Also’s first commercial product is the $3,500 TM-B e-bike with a virtual drivetrain. Seemingly more tailored to DoorDash’s needs is the TM-Q. This four-wheeled EV is designed to haul cargo while still fitting in bike lanes. (Have fun with that, cyclists!) The larger (commercial) version, pictured below, looks like it could haul quite a few food orders at once.
The TM-Q with its most robust modular storage cabin (left) and without any attachments (right)
In a statement, Also co-founder and president Chris Yu said the partnership will deploy autonomous vehicles in “areas not yet fully solved for.” These include “the intersection of roadways, bike lanes, and road adjacent spaces.” In October, Amazon agreed to buy thousands of TM-Q vehicles for last-mile deliveries.
As part of the deal, DoorDash co-founder Stanley Tang will join Also as a board observer. TechCrunch reports that the partnership boosts Also’s valuation to above $1 billion.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/doordash-partners-with-rivian-spinoff-also-for-autonomous-delivery-vehicles-163240124.html?src=rss