Amazon Partners with Electric Delivery Vehicle Companies
Also‘s TM-Q: A Deep Dive into Amazon’s New Electric Quad
This article details the launch of Also, a new company spun out of Rivian, and its first product: the TM-Q, a four-wheeled electric quad designed for delivery services, particularly for Amazon. Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
key Players & Funding:
* Also: A new company focused on building purpose-built micromobility solutions.
* Rivian: Founded Also and retains a minority stake. lessons learned from the Rivian Electric Delivery Van (EDV) program were crucial to the TM-Q’s progress.RJ Scaringe (Rivian founder) is on Also’s board.
* Amazon: The primary target customer and a key partner. They will utilize the TM-Q alongside their existing fleet of Rivian EDVs, leveraging a shared fleet-management system.
* Eclipse Ventures: Led the $200 million series A funding round for Also.
The TM-Q - Key Features & Technology:
* Purpose-Built for Delivery: Designed specifically for urban delivery, focusing on efficiency and reliability.
* “Car-Level Engineering”: Applies automotive engineering principles to a smaller-scale vehicle.
* pedal-Assist Powertrain: Utilizes a pedal-by-wire system with torque and cadence sensors to provide electric assist, scaling power based on rider effort (up to 250 watts continuous in the EU, higher in the US).
* Software-Defined: Assist ratio can be tuned via software updates, mirroring Rivian’s EV tuning practices.
* Regenerative braking: Recovers energy during braking to extend range.
* modular, Swappable Battery: Lithium-ion packs available in 538 Wh (70-mile range) and 808 Wh (100-mile range) options. Supports regenerative braking for increased range.
* Fast charging: Uses USB-C PD 3.1 for up to 240W charging, with safety features to prevent overheating and thermal runaway. Batteries are designed for bidirectional energy flow (portable power banks).
* Battery Swap Stations: Also is developing stations for quick battery replacements, crucial for multi-shift operations.
* Integrated Features: Includes a lockable cargo enclosure, logistics/charging management software, and a 5-inch touchscreen for navigation and diagnostics.
* Service Network: Amazon will service the quads thru its existing network of 70+ micromobility hubs in North america and Europe.
Logistical Advantages & Integration with Amazon:
* Shared Fleet management: The TM-Q integrates with the same fleet-management system used for Rivian EDVs, streamlining operations for Amazon.
* Existing Infrastructure: Amazon’s micromobility hubs will be used for servicing the quads.
* Scalability: The design and infrastructure are geared towards large-scale deployment.
Challenges:
* The article notes that four-wheeled pedal-assist vehicles have been attempted before, implying scaling production and overcoming previous hurdles will be a challenge. (The article cuts off before detailing these challenges).
In essence, Also is aiming to revolutionize last-mile delivery with a purpose-built, technologically advanced electric quad, leveraging the expertise of Rivian and the logistical power of Amazon.