In early 2025, Volkswagen confirmed that its future electric vehicles would be built on a platform developed jointly with Rivian. As part of the agreement, the German automotive giant will invest $5.8 billion in the joint venture's subsidiary, Rivian & Volkswagen Group Technologies.
⚙️ Shared architecture for new EVs
The next generation of VW cars will feature Rivian's modern “zonal” architecture and software platform, which has already proven its effectiveness in the R1 and R2 electric cars. This architecture reduces the number of control units and wiring, simplifying production and reducing weight.
💸 Why this is beneficial for Volkswagen
Reduced development costs: using Rivian's ready-made solutions saves VW resources, especially for software subsystems.
Overcoming problems with Cariad: VW is looking for ways to accelerate software development, including the serial expansion of “software-defined vehicles.”
Easier entry into the US market: using Rivian's architecture, VW will expand its line of electric cars in North America.
🚗 First models
The Rivian R2, a compact and relatively affordable SUV, will be the first production car based on the JV platform, with production scheduled to start in 2026.
The VW ID EVERY1, a budget hatchback, is expected to hit the market in 2027 with a new electric architecture.
🌐 Scale and impact
The joint venture is based in Palo Alto and has hired about 600 employees. It serves both Rivian and future models from VW, Audi, Porsche, and Scout Motors. The focus on a scalable architecture makes the structure more flexible and ready for over-the-air updates.
🔍 What's in store for the market
The JV project allows VW to respond quickly to falling demand for electric cars while strengthening its position in the software-defined vehicles segment. Rivian, meanwhile, gains stable financing and access to the manufacturing resources of a large corporation.
The merger of VW and Rivian technologies promises to strengthen the competitiveness of both companies. Thanks to innovative architecture and joint investments, the first real electric vehicles of the coming decade will combine economy, functionality, and software control flexibility. This is a new stage in the evolution of electric mobility.
0 comments
Write comment