American startup automaker Rivian seems to be on a roll with growing its business lately. First, it expanded its future lineup to include new midsize and compact electric SUVs dubbed the R2 and R3, which are expected to go into production in 2026 and 2028, respectively.
Next, it secured a new $5 billion joint venture deal with Volkswagen to develop next-gen EV platforms and technology to power them, inside and out. Now, Rivian has announced a new company called Also, Inc. which will develop smaller-scale and more niche electrified mobility solutions.
Rivian
Rivian Automotive, Inc. is an American electric vehicle manufacturer launched in 2009 by R.J. Scaringe as Mainstream Motors before being renamed Avera Automotive and, later, Rivian in 2011. Despite initial plans to launch a sports car as its first product, Rivian changed focus to cater to the growing demand for adventure vehicles, launching the R1T and R1S in 2021 and 2022, respectively. As of the beginning of 2024, Rivian has sold a total of 82,572 EVs, with plans to grow this figure rapidly by launching new products like the R2 and R3.
- Founded
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June 2009 (as Mainstream Motors)
- Headquarters
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Irvine, California, USA
- Current CEO
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R.J. Scaringe
- Founder
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R.J. Scaringe
- Owned By
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Publicly Traded
Why Rivian Thinks Also, Inc. Is Important
Rivian claims it began its mobility projects as a stealth program that started a few years ago, and it’s developed into enough of a business to become its own thing now.
“For the world to fully transition to electrified transportation, a range of vehicle types and form factors will be needed,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “I am extremely excited about the innovations developed by the Also team that will underpin a range of highly compelling micro-mobility products that will help define new categories.”
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These micro-mobility products could range anywhere from small trolleys and/or vans for last-mile deliveries, wheelchairs and other powered movers, and possibly scooters and other smaller electric vehicles. The goal seems to be to solve multiple mobility problems with new products. It’s unclear if the company would consider power sports rides like side-by-sides or motorcycles.The attached image in the Also, Inc. press release is of a wheel track over a sand dune, so we expect to see some creatively designed vehicles with unique purposes. Though a similar image was used in teasing the recently announced California Dune Editions.
Also, Inc. Is Its Own Thing
Just as Verne is separate from Rimac, Also, Inc. will operate separately from Rivian as its own entity. Similarly, Rivian does hold a large minority stake in the new business, and Scaringe will serve on Also’s board of directors as Chair. Eclipse Ventures has also invested $105 million in the new project so far, which is enough for the next phase of growth.
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This Is The One Thing Rivian’s Partnership With VW Won’t Allow
A new joint venture between Rivian and VW holds a ton of promise, but it won’t extend to several core areas of vehicle production.
Also, Inc. is open to further investment and finding new partners to help keep costs down and expand the business. We could easily see major delivery companies being interested, and Rivian has an existing partnership with Amazon for electric delivery vans already.
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