The JV was formed while VW's own Cariad software division struggles with its next-gen systems. Rivian says the funding will support the production of the R2 and R3. It's unclear which VW models will be the first to use Rivian software. Volkswagen will invest around $5 billion in Rivian and form a joint venture with the U.S. electric vehicle startup to develop next-generation electrical architecture and software technologies that future models from the two brands will use.
“We’re very excited to be partnering with Volkswagen Group,” Rivian chief executive RJ Scaringe said. “Since the earliest days of Rivian, we have been focused on developing highly differentiated technology, and it’s exciting that one of the world’s largest and most respected automotive companies has recognized this.