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.