Why Did Rivian Spin Off Also Inc, and What’s the Big Idea?
Rivian has made a name for itself by proving that electric trucks and SUVs can be just as rugged and capable as their gas-powered counterparts. But as the electric vehicle market matures, even trailblazers like Rivian are looking for new ways to stay ahead. Enter Also Inc—a fresh, independent company spun off from Rivian, with a laser focus on micromobility and compact EVs.
So, why the split? It’s all about focus. While Rivian keeps its eyes on larger vehicles like the R1T and R1S, and prepares to launch more affordable models such as the R2 and R3, Also Inc is free to explore a totally different side of electric mobility. Think smaller, nimbler, and perfectly suited for the hustle and bustle of city life.
What Kind of Vehicles Will Also Inc Actually Make?
Here’s where things get interesting. Also Inc is still keeping its cards close to the chest, but company president Chris Yu has confirmed that the lineup will include e-bikes and small three- and four-wheel EVs. Picture compact cars, micro-cars, and neighborhood vehicles—designed for short trips, last-mile delivery, or just zipping around urban neighborhoods where parking is a daily headache.
This isn’t just a wild guess. The micromobility market is booming, with cities worldwide scrambling to reduce congestion and pollution. According to a 2023 report from McKinsey, the global micromobility market could reach $500 billion by 2030. Also Inc is aiming to be a big fish in this fast-growing pond.
How Did Also Inc Hit a $1 Billion Valuation Before Selling a Single Product?
It sounds wild, but it’s true: Also Inc reached a $1 billion valuation in July 2025, thanks to a $200 million investment from Greenoaks Capital. That’s on top of the $105 million in seed funding from Rivian and Eclipse Ventures earlier in the year. For a company still in stealth mode, that’s a staggering vote of confidence.
Why are investors so bullish? Partly, it’s the team. Also Inc is based in Palo Alto and is starting with around 80 employees—many with deep experience in automotive tech and urban mobility. But it’s also about timing. Cities from the US to Asia and South America are hungry for cleaner, smaller, more flexible vehicles. Investors see a chance to get in on the ground floor of what could be the next big thing in transportation.
Will Also Inc’s Products Only Be for the US Market?
Not at all. While the US is a natural starting point—especially in communities where golf carts and neighborhood EVs are already part of daily life—Also Inc has its sights set on a global audience. Chris Yu has hinted at plans to launch products tailored for both consumers and commercial users in Asia and South America. These regions are experiencing rapid urbanization, and the demand for affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly transport is skyrocketing.
How Is Also Inc Connected to Rivian, and Does That Matter?
Although Also Inc is now a standalone company, the Rivian connection is more than just a footnote. For starters, Rivian’s early investment means Also Inc can tap into an established supply chain and possibly share some components or technology. That’s a huge leg up for a young company trying to scale quickly.
There’s also a shared philosophy. Both companies are obsessed with quality, reliability, and customer confidence. As Chris Yu puts it, “When you get a small vehicle, one size doesn’t fit all. We want to give customers confidence and a brand technology platform they can rely on, regardless of what the end solution looks like.” In other words, expect the same attention to detail and innovation that made Rivian a household name.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Urban Mobility?
The rise of Also Inc signals a broader shift in how we think about getting around cities. Instead of one-size-fits-all cars, the future looks modular, flexible, and tailored to specific needs. Imagine a world where you grab an e-bike for a quick coffee run, hop into a micro-EV for groceries, or use a compact delivery vehicle for your small business—all built on a common, trusted technology platform.
It’s not just about convenience, either. The environmental impact could be massive. According to the International Energy Agency, shifting even a fraction of urban trips from cars to micromobility options could cut city emissions by up to 30 percent. That’s real progress, not just marketing spin.
The Big Takeaway
Rivian’s spin-off of Also Inc isn’t about chasing hype—it’s about making smart, strategic moves as the world of transportation evolves. If you’re watching the EV space, keep an eye on this one. The big takeaway? Reinventing how we move around cities isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.