Software-Defined Delivery: Rivian Spinoff Also Targets the Last Mile
Rivian spinoff 'Also' has secured $200 million in funding to develop autonomous delivery vehicles specifically tailored for DoorDash. The partnership signals a move toward a software-defined delivery ecosystem where hardware is built around specialized logistics AI.
The logistics industry is entering the era of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV), characterized by platforms like 'Also,' a Rivian spinoff that recently closed a $200 million funding round. With backing from DoorDash and Greenoaks Capital, Also is pivoting away from general-purpose EVs to create a fleet of autonomous delivery vehicles built from the ground up to serve the "last mile" economy.
The concept of the SDV is central here: the vehicle’s value is no longer defined by its mechanical components but by its ability to integrate into a digital logistics network. These vehicles are essentially mobile computers, designed to receive over-the-air updates that optimize routing, cargo climate control, and autonomous navigation based on real-time data from DoorDash’s platform. This deep integration allows for a level of efficiency that traditional converted vans cannot match.
By separating the development of these delivery-specific platforms from Rivian’s core consumer business, Also can focus on the unique ruggedness and uptime requirements of commercial fleets. The $500 million total funding highlights investor confidence in the shift toward specialized, software-centric hardware. As these autonomous units begin testing, they will serve as a blueprint for how SDVs can transform urban commerce, moving goods with minimal human intervention and maximum digital precision.
Source: TechCrunch
