Also Partners with DoorDash to Develop Autonomous Delivery Vehicles

Micromobility company Also, which was spun out from Rivian in 2025, has announced a partnership with DoorDash to develop autonomous delivery vehicles. This collaboration was revealed on March 31, 2026, and is part of a broader strategy to innovate in the delivery space. DoorDash participated in Also's recent $200 million Series C funding round, which was led by Greenoaks Capital, bringing Also's total funding to $505 million and its valuation to over $1 billion.

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Initially launched as a skunkworks project within Rivian in 2022, Also began with the goal of creating an electric bike. The company has since evolved, showcasing designs for small, pedal-assist delivery vehicles capable of carrying over 400 pounds. Amazon, a significant investor in Rivian, has already placed orders for thousands of these delivery vehicles, indicating strong market interest.

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The partnership with DoorDash marks Also's first foray into developing autonomous versions of its delivery vehicles. While it remains unclear if Also will utilize Rivian's autonomy technology, Rivian has been actively working on integrating various technologies, including cameras, ultrasonic sensors, radar, and lidar, into its vehicles. The company has also developed custom silicon and an autonomy computer to enhance self-driving capabilities.

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DoorDash has its own autonomy department and has previously developed a robot vehicle named Dot, which is equipped with lidar, radar, and camera sensors, capable of navigating roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks autonomously. This existing expertise may play a crucial role in the development of Also's autonomous delivery vehicles.

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The collaboration between Also and DoorDash could significantly impact the logistics and delivery sectors by introducing innovative, autonomous solutions. As urban areas increasingly seek efficient delivery methods, the integration of autonomous vehicles may address challenges related to traffic congestion and delivery speed.

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While the partnership presents potential benefits, there are concerns regarding the implications of increased automation in delivery services. Critics argue that the rise of autonomous vehicles could lead to job displacement within the delivery workforce. Additionally, there are questions about the safety and regulatory challenges associated with deploying autonomous vehicles in urban environments.

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Rivian founder RJ Scaringe and Also CEO Chris Yu have expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the potential for leveraging Rivian's technology and retail presence. They noted that a variety of vehicle designs are being considered to meet market needs.

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As the partnership progresses, further developments are expected regarding the design and functionality of the autonomous delivery vehicles. Both companies are likely to provide updates on their technological advancements and the integration of DoorDash's existing autonomous capabilities.

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• “Rivian founder RJ Scaringe and Also CEO Chris Yu told TechCrunch last year that almost any form factor was on the table — within practical limits.” — RJ Scaringe, Founder of Rivian

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