Jony Ive’s LoveFrom Collaborates on Rivian’s Debut Electric Bike Design
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
LoveFrom, the design firm established by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, contributed significantly to the creation of Rivian’s first electric bike. For approximately 18 months, a select group of LoveFrom designers worked closely with Rivian’s design and engineering teams as part of a secretive skunkworks initiative led by Chris Yu, previously Specialized’s chief product and technology officer. The collaboration concluded in fall 2024, according to the sources. Both LoveFrom and Rivian declined to provide comments. The skunkworks program, initially a small team, expanded into a standalone company named Also, which secured $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures earlier this year. Comprising around 70 professionals from companies like Apple, Google, Tesla, Specialized, and REI Co-Op, Also is poised to unveil its first vehicle designs at an event later this year. Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe, who serves on Also’s board, described the vehicle as “bike-like,” featuring a seat, two wheels, a screen, and onboard computers, though specifics remain under wraps. LoveFrom’s involvement extended beyond aesthetics, addressing user interface, user experience, and modular design challenges to maintain Rivian’s signature premium look in a smaller, more affordable electric vehicle. Sources noted a “tight” collaboration between LoveFrom, Rivian’s Irvine-based industrial designers, and the skunkworks team, with LoveFrom bringing an interdisciplinary and global perspective to the project. This partnership builds on LoveFrom’s prior consulting work for Rivian, including contributions to the company’s revamped infotainment system and retail experiences, though the electric bike project was a more focused endeavor. The initiative began in early 2022, aiming to adapt Rivian’s electric vehicle technology into compact, cost-effective micromobility solutions, distinct from its larger vans, trucks, and SUVs. Jony Ive, renowned for his iconic designs at Apple, including the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, has a history of transportation-related projects, notably collaborating with Ferrari’s parent company on next-generation vehicles since 2021. His influence may be evident when Also reveals its electric bike, potentially bearing the hallmark of his minimalist design philosophy. While details about the bike’s final design remain undisclosed, anticipation is high for Also’s upcoming reveal, which could redefine micromobility with Rivian’s technology and Ive’s design expertise.
