Autonomy Shifts to Gas Cars to Save Subscriptions

Autonomy, the vehicle subscription startup that initially bet big on electric mobility, is fundamentally altering its strategy by introducing gas-powered vehicles to its fleet. This pivot marks a significant departure from the company’s original mission four years ago, when it pledged to acquire 23,000 EVs from seventeen automakers, including Tesla, to offer as part of a unified subscription service. That ambitious plan, which merged the emerging trends of car-sharing and electrification in the early 2020s, failed to gain traction.

The initial model collapsed rapidly. Within twelve months, Autonomy faced near-bankruptcy, a casualty of an aggressive EV price war initiated by Elon Musk to defend Tesla’s market share against incoming competitors. The financial strain decimated the value of Autonomy’s small fleet, which had barely exceeded 1,000 units, wiping out approximately one-third of its worth. Founder Scott Painter, who also established TrueCar, was forced to inject capital to keep the entity afloat while major manufacturers quietly abandoned their own subscription initiatives. Despite these setbacks, Autonomy survived and has now decided to expand beyond pure electric offerings.

“We need to give the customer what the customer wants,” Fred Weick, Autonomy’s CEO, stated during an exclusive interview with TechCrunch. “There are very few examples, I think, in history, of creating things customers didn’t know they wanted.”

This new direction sees Autonomy adding internal combustion engine (ICE) models to its inventory for the first time. The expanded lineup includes gas-powered Ford trucks and SUVs such as the Mustang, Ranger, F-150, Bronco Sport, Escape, and Explorer. These vehicles are being sourced from Los Angeles-based Galpin Motors and are currently available to subscribers in California. While California remains a primary focus, Autonomy also operates in Arizona, Florida, Texas, New York, North Carolina, and Washington, with plans to collaborate with additional dealer partners across these regions.

The strategic shift coincides with a period of soaring automotive costs. New car prices have climbed above $50,000, and the used vehicle market is experiencing similar inflation. Weick, drawing on his two-decade tenure at Mercedes-Benz, noted that these economic pressures disproportionately affect consumers with low credit scores or no credit history. Autonomy’s subscription model circumvents traditional financing hurdles by charging a one-time initiation fee,currently $1,000 for EVs,and a fixed monthly rate that varies by vehicle type. Subscribers retain the flexibility to cancel after just one month.

Weick identified four specific demographics as the target for this ICE expansion: university students, military families, foreign workers, and individuals seeking a “company car” experience without the administrative burden. He emphasized that the core appeal lies in providing immediate access to transportation without the complexities of traditional ownership.

“The crux of the interest is easy and quick access to mobility without all the headaches that come with the old school” way of buying cars, he explained. “The past [business] models were all about trying to fit a new concept into old shoes, and that doesn’t work.”

While the company is diversifying, Autonomy has not entirely abandoned its electric roots. It continues to see demand for EVs, particularly in California, where it currently manages a fleet of slightly over 500 electric cars. Although this number is far below the 23,000 promised in 2022, it reflects a broader industry trend of recalibrating expectations. Major players like Hertz experienced similar reversals; despite pledging in 2021 to purchase up to 100,000 Teslas and other EVs, the rental giant sold off most of its electric inventory in 2024 to return to gas vehicles.