Ex-Tesla, REI Co-Op, and Uber staff make up Rivian’s new lightweight vehicle company
Rivian is spinning off its micromobility division into a new company called Also, Inc., and it assembled a team of tech and transportation experts from some pretty big names. The EV maker says the new venture will focus on small, lightweight electric vehicles designed to tackle modern transportation challenges worldwide.
Also, Inc. has about 70 staff members at the moment. They hail from Apple, Google, REI Co-Op, Specialized, Tesla, and Uber. Shewie, that’s quite the squad.
Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe shared snippets of Also’s product line with TechCrunch, confirming that Also will unveil its first vehicle designs later this year. Keeping details scarce, speculation points to an e-bike as the company’s debut product. After all, Specialized, if you aren’t familiar, is a very popular high-quality bike company.
“There’s a seat, and there’s two wheels, there’s a screen, and there’s a few computers and a battery,” Scaringe told TC. Hint hint.
Scaringe also criticized the high prices of premium e-bikes, noting that many cost between $6,000 and $10,000. He attributed this to a poorly developed supply chain with multiple layers of inefficiency. EV makers also warn of the imbalance, pointing to the 25% Trump tariffs to make the problems worse. Also aims to change that by leveraging Rivian’s expertise in software, electronics, and electric propulsion to streamline costs and improve product quality.
Rivian has been quietly exploring micromobility for years, developing a “stealth program” to understand how its strengths could transfer to smaller, more affordable EVs.
As the project evolved, it became clear that the opportunity was big enough to justify a separate company. Rivian will keep a significant minority stake in Also and may integrate its products into the automaker’s retail network in the future.
VC firm Eclipse Ventures has invested $105 million in Also to fuel its growth. Scaringe will serve as chairman of the new company’s board, overseeing a team of around 70 employees with experience at Apple, Google, Specialized, Tesla, REI, and Uber.
Meanwhile, Rivian remains focused on its core business. The company is preparing to launch its R2 midsize SUV, with deliveries expected in the first half of 2026.
