Volkswagen Group said on Wednesday that the vehicle software and electronics architecture it is developing with U.S. electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive could eventually be applied to its internal combustion engine (ICE) models, underscoring the broader potential of the partnership as the German automaker works to modernize its technology systems.
The integration of software and electronics across platforms is central to Volkswagen’s strategy after repeated delays at its in-house software division, Cariad, hampered product timelines across its brands. The company is banking on its collaboration with Rivian to accelerate the development of a scalable next-generation vehicle platform and narrow the gap with competitors such as Tesla and several Chinese automakers.
“For sure, it is an extremely capable architecture and we could allow for future use to also use it for ICE, but as we already outlined our clear focus is on BEV implementation and whatever comes after that is to be decided at a later stage,” said Carsten Helbing, co-CEO of RV Tech, the Volkswagen-Rivian joint venture, according to Reuters.
Volkswagen last year agreed to invest $5.8 billion in Rivian in a move widely viewed as an attempt to bolster its software capabilities following Cariad’s setbacks. Helbing added that the architecture is “highly capable” of supporting various drivetrain configurations, though it would require additional component and platform adjustments.
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The two companies said winter testing of the new system will begin before the end of this year, evaluating its performance in harsh conditions using prototypes of the Volkswagen ID.Every1, as well as test models from Audi and Scout Motors. The ID.Every1 will be the first vehicle to feature RV Tech’s software and electrical architecture, with a market launch targeted for 2027.
Volkswagen expects more models built on its Scalable Systems Platform to adopt the joint venture’s technology by the end of the decade. The partnership comes as EV demand in the U.S. softens following the expiration of the $7,500 federal tax credit and as European automakers face growing competition from low-cost Chinese brands expanding in the region.