Design firm LoveFrom, founded by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, was involved in the development of an electric bike project at Rivian, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, TechCrunch reported on Friday.
The collaboration took place over approximately 18 months and ended in late 2024. During that time, a small group of LoveFrom designers worked with Rivian’s internal skunkworks team, which was exploring compact electric vehicle concepts. The effort was led by Chris Yu, formerly chief product and technology officer at Specialized.
The project has since spun out into a separate company named Also, which secured $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures earlier this year. Also has not yet revealed any vehicle designs. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, who serves on Also’s board, previously described the company’s upcoming product as “bike-like” with a seat, two wheels, a screen, computers, and a battery. An Also spokesperson declined to comment on the product or any collaboration with LoveFrom.
The micromobility project began in early 2022 as an initiative to determine whether Rivian’s EV technology could be applied to smaller, more affordable platforms. By early 2023, LoveFrom had joined the effort to support prototype refinement and design exploration. One source said the collaboration included contributions to user interface, industrial design, and packaging.
LoveFrom has reportedly worked with Rivian on other projects in the past, including the design of its infotainment system and retail experience. Its role in the micromobility effort was described by sources as more structured and focused.
Ive’s firm has been involved in several transportation-related projects in recent years, including a design collaboration with Ferrari and work on Apple’s now-discontinued vehicle initiative. Also is expected to debut its first product later in 2025.