- Rivian’s upcoming electrical architecture will rely on just seven compact control modules.
- The EV startup integrated its electrical system into a VW test vehicle in only 12 weeks.
- VW will also use Rivian’s tech on the upcoming Scout Terra and Traveler SUV and pickup.
Volkswagen is eager to strengthen its partnership with EV startup Rivian, doubling down on collaboration just months after the two announced plans to co-develop a new electrical architecture and software platform for future vehicles. The German auto giant sees itself as a mentor of sorts, with CEO Oliver Blume hinting that VW’s scale and resources could provide Rivian with a critical leg up in the competitive EV market.
More: Rivian R3 And R3X Filmed On The Road
Speaking with German publication Spiegel, Blume explained that a company of VW’s size brings unique advantages to the table. “For example, we are thinking about sharing modules and bundling purchasing volumes,” he said, emphasizing that “the Volkswagen Group offers great opportunities for a small brand like Rivian.”
In short, VW’s deep pockets and bulk-buying muscle could help streamline production costs and supply chain headaches for Rivian while both brands benefit from shared tech.
A $5.8 Billion Bet on Rivian’s Future
Volkswagen has already poured nearly $5.8 billion into Rivian, and the startup appears to be playing a key role in designing the next-generation electronic architecture that VW plans to roll out across its future fleet. According to the German outlet, Rivian developers and engineers are leading work in developing a streamlined system that promises to revolutionize VW’s approach to vehicle electronics.
This new architecture will consolidate the complexity of current systems. While today’s VW vehicles rely on as many as 100 control units, the new setup will use just seven compact control units to manage critical systems. These units will integrate semiconductors, sensors, and cabling to handle everything from infotainment to advanced driver assistance features, promising to offer a simpler, smarter and potentially more reliable system.
Read: VW And Rivian Team Up To Develop EV Tech for 2027 Launch
Among the first VW Group products to use the new architecture will be Porsche’s long-awaited flagship seven-seat K1 SUV and the next-generation VW Golf. The German company’s recently revived Scout brand also stands to benefit from the partnership, with its rugged Terra and Traveler models set to incorporate Rivian’s advanced tech.
Scout Is No Rivian Rival
Interestingly, VW seems to be closely mimicking Rivian’s launch of the R1T and R1S models with the new Scout family. Like the Rivians, the Terra and Traveler take the form of a pickup truck and an SUV, which share many components. Despite the overlap, Blume has been quick to clarify that Scout isn’t aiming to compete with Rivian directly. “The vehicles are positioned completely differently,” he explained. Whereas the Scout models will start from around $45,000, Rivian’s R1-branded models kick off from about $70,000.
However, Rivian also plans to launch smaller, more affordable R2 and R3 models in the coming years, with starting prices of roughly $45,000 and $37,000, respectively. Those budget-friendly options are expected to hit production in late 2026 or early 2027—assuming Rivian sticks to its schedule.
Rivian Tech Coming to VW in 2027
The first VW model to officially feature Rivian’s electronic architecture is expected to arrive in 2027 but the new system will likely premiere in the Rivian R2. Last year, Rivian managed to integrate its software into a VW test vehicle in just 12 weeks.
