Volkswagen explores using Rivian’s EV technology for future cars, increasing software and platform integration efforts.

Volkswagen Group announced on Wednesday that its internal combustion engine vehicles could one day use the technology it is creating with American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive. For Volkswagen, which has had difficulty integrating its technology architecture across brands due to frequent delays at its internal software unit, Cariad, integration of software and electronics across platforms is essential.

In order to compete with competitors like Tesla and Chinese rivals, the German manufacturer depends on its partnership with Rivian to speed up the development of a scalable, futuristic vehicle platform.

According to Carsten Helbing, co-CEO of the joint venture RV Tech is clearly an extremely strong architecture that may allow its use for ICE in the future. However, as they have already stated, the main focus is on the installation of BEVs; anything beyond that will be considered at a later time. As well, other drivetrain configurations can be operated by the design with great capability. Therefore, they do not see a major problem there; however, there will undoubtedly be more work on the platform and component sides.

After the $7,500 U.S. tax credit expires, EV demand in the U.S. is expected to decrease. Meanwhile, affordable Chinese manufacturers are increasing pressure on Volkswagen and other legacy automakers in Europe. In an effort to improve its software capabilities following regrets at Cariad, Volkswagen decided to invest $5.8 billion in Rivian the previous year.

Winter testing, which aims to evaluate the system's effectiveness in difficult conditions on the Volkswagen ID, will start before the end of this year, according to the two companies. One Audi and one Scout model per individual. The new RV Tech software and electrical architecture will be first seen in the German automaker's future tiny car model, ID.Every1, which is scheduled for release in 2027.