Also, the micromobility company spun off from Rivian, is increasing deliveries of its TM-B e-bike after supply-chain problems slowed its production ramp. President Chris Yu told The Verge that early Launch Edition bikes are reaching customers, with shipments expected to rise as manufacturing scales up.
Yu said Also designs components down to individual electronics, leaving it exposed to shortages affecting AI servers as well as electric vehicles. In particular, competition for high-performance chips and specialist circuit-board materials forced the company to find alternatives and repeat qualification testing. Yu said those supply issues have now been addressed, while the company has begun converting reservations for its Standard and Performance versions.
The TM-B combines a modular frame with a removable battery, built-in display and pedal-by-wire system. Its battery also supports USB-C charging and regenerative braking. Yu said its configuration did not fit neatly within existing e-bike battery guidelines, so Also worked with UL to clarify the certification requirements. The company is now fully UL certified, according to Yu.
Also faced criticism from some reservation holders over delayed deliveries and limited updates. Yu acknowledged that the company had not communicated regularly enough while it focused on production and engineering, and said it has since established more consistent updates for preorder customers. He also said early delivery problems caused by a carrier led Also to pause shipments and switch carriers.
Yu described the e-bike as the foundation for a broader lineup of purpose-built small vehicles. Also is also developing a four-wheeled electric vehicle for commercial deliveries and is working with DoorDash on autonomous delivery platforms. Yu said the company’s longer-term focus is on small vehicles designed for urban trips, rather than e-bikes alone.
Sources: The Verge.