Electric vehicle startup Rivian is reportedly working on an e-bike. According to Bloomberg, CEO RJ Scaringe told Rivian employees of the project during a company-wide meeting the automaker held on Friday. He said the startup had a “small group” of engineers working on a bike.
Bloomberg couldn’t confirm if Scaringe was referring to an electric motorcycle or bicycle, but the outlet notes Rivian has patents for cycling components and designs. In the past, Scaringe has said Rivian wants to expand into the micromobility market eventually. Rivian did not immediately respond to Engadget’s comment request.
The news that Rivian could be working on an e-bike comes in the same week that the company announced layoffs that would affect six percent of its workforce. The cuts represent the second major restructuring Rivian has undertaken in less than a year. The company said the move was an effort to refocus itself on scaling production of its R1T and R1S EVs and, in turn, put Rivian on the…
2023-02-05 18:25:11
Link from www.engadget.com
Rivian, an electric truck maker, has reportedly begun development of an electric bicycle.
Based out of Illinois, the company recently announced a $2.5 billion investment boost from the likes of Amazon and Ford, making it one of the largest investments in the history of electric vehicle start-ups. As such, the development of an electric bicycle will represent the company’s foray into the expanding personal mobility market and would offer more options to commuters.
The news of Rivian’s electric bicycle came as a surprise to many as they are usually known for their electric trucks, like the R1T pickup, as well as the R1S SUV. Both vehicles come with a 435-mile range and a 150-kW express charging capabilities, which was the highlight of the company’s 2020 launch.
Rivian’s electric bike, compared to other offerings available in the market, is to come with a large battery and high-performance motors. Its design will also be unique, as the bike will have a unique aesthetic, as well as modern components. Additionally, its portability means it can easily be stored in the Rivian electric trucks, representing a further tie between the company’s automotive and personal mobility segments.
In terms of performance, the bike is expected to provide a long range and fast-charging capabilities comparable to the car-based offerings, as well as improved safety features.
At this moment, no timeline has been announced for the development or launch of Rivian’s electric bicycle. However, the move into personal mobility has been widely praised as a bold and innovative one, and if successful, the company could make a major dent in the electric mobility industry.