Autonomous delivery is taking a significant step forward as Rivian’s micromobility spinoff ALSO announced a strategic partnership with DoorDash.
The collaboration aims to develop and deploy small, purpose-built electric vehicles designed specifically for last-mile logistics in dense urban environments.
Unlocking the “In-Between” Spaces
One of the biggest challenges in last-mile delivery lies in navigating the areas between traditional road infrastructure—bike lanes, curbsides, and road shoulders. These “in-between” spaces are often inefficient or inaccessible for conventional delivery vehicles.
ALSO’s compact autonomous EVs are engineered to operate precisely in these environments. Their smaller footprint and adaptability position them as a practical solution for navigating complex urban layouts where larger vehicles fall short.
By focusing on these overlooked zones, the partnership aims to improve delivery efficiency while reducing congestion and emissions.
Purpose-Built EVs for Urban Logistics
Unlike retrofitted vehicles, ALSO’s platforms are designed from the ground up for autonomous operation. This approach allows for optimized performance in real-world delivery scenarios, where tight navigation, frequent stops, and mixed-use infrastructure are common.
DoorDash, through its innovation arm, sees these vehicles as a key component in the future of logistics. The goal is to create a seamless system that connects merchants, customers, and delivery networks more efficiently.
Scaling Autonomous Delivery
The collaboration focuses on accelerating both development and deployment. By combining ALSO’s EV engineering with DoorDash’s logistics expertise, the companies aim to bring scalable autonomous delivery solutions to market faster.
This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in addressing growing demand for faster, more efficient delivery services—especially in high-density cities where traditional methods face increasing limitations.
Backed by Strategic Investment
The partnership coincides with ALSO’s $200 million Series C funding round, led by Greenoaks with participation from Prysm Capital and a strategic investment from DoorDash.
As part of the agreement, DoorDash Co-Founder Stanley Tang will join ALSO as a board observer, strengthening the strategic alignment between the two companies.
Expanding the Future of Mobility
Looking ahead, ALSO plans to scale production and expand globally, with a focus on vehicles capable of transporting both goods and people in driven and autonomous modes.
The partnership underscores a broader shift in the EV industry toward specialized, task-focused vehicles. As cities evolve and demand for efficient delivery grows, compact autonomous EVs could become a defining feature of urban mobility.
