Rivian (RIVN) already has a number of automakers reaching out about potential provide offers for software program and different EV tech. In accordance with Rivian’s Chief Software program Officer, Wassym Bensaid, its new partnership with Volkswagen has different OEMs “knocking on our door.”
Will Rivian and VW provide EV tech to different automakers?
After launching “Rivian and VW Group Expertise, LLC,” their new software program and EV three way partnership in November, the collaboration is already exhibiting potential.
Bensaid, who co-leads the brand new three way partnership with VW’s Casten Helbing, stated in an interview on Thursday (by way of Reuters) that the collaboration is in talks with not less than a number of different automakers over potential provide offers for software program and EV structure.
“I’d say that many different OEMs are knocking on our door,” he stated. Though no names or different particulars had been revealed, Bensaid added that “there’s demand.”
The software program chief defined that Rivian is prioritizing its smaller, extra inexpensive R2 till 2027 whereas integrating the brand new tech into upcoming VW, Audi, Porsche, and Scout model EVs.
Bensaid added that the brand new JV “at the moment turns into one of many key companions” for different automakers who wish to “make a leap from a technological standpoint.”
Final week, German information outlet Spiegel reported that VW might develop the partnership with Rivian. Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume stated, “We’re fascinated with sharing modules and bundling buying volumes.”
VW is already planning to take a position $5.8 billion, which, in keeping with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, is a “significant monetary alternative.”
Rivian is already utilizing the platform and software program stack on its Gen 2 R1S electrical SUV and R1T pickup, a drastic improve from the earlier model. The structure makes use of seven digital management items (ECUs), down from 17 within the Gen 1 fashions.
The brand new fashions additionally embrace Rivian’s new in-house autonomy system, the Rivian Autonomy Platform, which consists of 11 cameras, 5 radars, and different options for added driver help (ADAS) options.
On the opening of the brand new Rivian Area in San Francisco on Thursday, Scaringe stated the corporate plans to roll out hands-free driving this yr. It’s anticipated to be much like Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD). In 2026, Rivian will launch an “eyes-free” system because it advances new tech and software program.
Electrek’s Take
The JV with Volkswagen might be vital for Rivian because it seems to be to speed up development in 2025. After shutting down its Regular, IL manufacturing plant final April for upgrades, Scaringe stated the corporate is already seeing “a significant discount” in materials prices.
Rivian’s R2, beginning at round $45,000, is predicted to open a whole new market. Analysts count on the VW partnership to offer sufficient funding for the R2 to enter manufacturing, which is predicted within the first half of 2026.
Final week, Rivian closed its mortgage settlement with the US Division of Power (DOE) for as much as $6.6 billion in financing for its new manufacturing plant in Georgia. The EV maker has already began hiring building and administration staff, with recruitment “anticipated to ramp shortly.”
Will Rivian’s EV structure and software program “turn into the platform of alternative within the Western world” apart from Tesla? That’s what Canaccord Genuity analysts stated in a word to traders.
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