is transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.
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Amazon and Rivian are back together again.
The e-commerce giant is collaborating with Rivian’s Also spinoff on a custom-designed, pedal-assisted, four-wheel cargo bike. The bike would likely be based on the TM-Q quad vehicle that was unveiled by Also today in San Francisco. Amazon says it wants to expand its fleet of micromobility vehicles with “thousands of quads” that it will deploy across Europe and the US.
The deal signals the next phase in the partnership between Amazon and Rivian, which worked together on the EDV electric van for many years. For several years, Rivian’s van was exclusive to Amazon. But after that exclusivity ended, Rivian said it would sell the van to any commercial fleet owner who was interested.
“Micromobility solutions like pedal-assist e-cargo quads allow us to quickly deliver to customers in dense, urban cities, while helping reduce traffic and noise,” said Emily Barber, Director of Amazon’s Global Fleet, in a statement. “Similar to our Rivian EDV partnership, working with ALSO provides an opportunity to continue to innovate in this space, building on our delivery logistics experience, paired with their advanced technology, safety, and performance features.”
Amazon has been using electric cargo bikes for deliveries in cities across the US and Canada. The bikes are adapt at navigating dense cities where curb space is at a premium.
The Also TM-Q shares many of the same features as the TM-B two-wheeled e-bike, including pedal-by-wire technology and removable battery that doubles as a mobile power bank.