Key facts
- Autonomy, a vehicle subscription startup, is adding internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to its fleet.
- The company initially focused on electric vehicles (EVs) but faced significant challenges.
- New offerings will include Ford models such as the Mustang, Ranger, F-150, Bronco Sport, Escape, and Explorer.
- Autonomy aims to provide flexible mobility access without the traditional burdens of car ownership.
- The service targets specific customer segments including students, military families, and foreign workers.
Four years after launching with a significant pledge to acquire 23,000 electric vehicles (EVs) for a subscription service, California startup Autonomy is now incorporating internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into its fleet. The company's initial EV-focused strategy faltered within a year, largely due to an EV price war initiated by Elon Musk, which caused Autonomy's fleet to lose substantial value.
Autonomy's CEO, Fred Weick, stated that the pivot to gas-powered vehicles is a response to customer demand, emphasizing the need to provide what consumers want. The new lineup will feature Ford vehicles, including the Mustang, Ranger, F-150 pickups, and SUVs like the Bronco Sport, Escape, and Explorer. These vehicles will be sourced from Galpin Motors in Los Angeles and will be available to customers in California, with plans to expand to other operational states including Arizona, Florida, Texas, New York, North Carolina, and Washington.
Weick, who has over two decades of experience at Mercedes-Benz, highlighted that rising car prices are making vehicle acquisition difficult for individuals with limited or no credit access. Autonomy's subscription model involves a one-time fee, currently $1,000 for EVs, followed by a monthly payment that can be canceled at any time after one month. The company is targeting university students, military families, foreign workers, and individuals seeking a company car experience with its ICE offerings.
Despite the challenges, Autonomy continues to see interest in EVs, particularly in California, and maintains a fleet of over 500 electric cars. This move mirrors broader industry shifts, as seen with Hertz selling a majority of its Tesla fleet in favor of gas vehicles.
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