Volkswagen to Utilize Rivian Software in ID.1 City Car

Volkswagen to Utilize Rivian Software in ID.1 City Car
  • Volkswagen will use a new software architecture co-developed with Rivian in its ID.1 electric city car.
  • The software will improve performance, flexibility, and speed up development processes.
  • The ID.1 will be the first model to use this software, with every subsequent model also utilizing the same software package.
  • The software architecture is flexible, allowing Volkswagen to scale it up or down depending on the model.
  • Over-the-air updates will enable Volkswagen to provide customers with new functionality without physical modifications.

Volkswagen's New Software Architecture

Volkswagen's board member for research and development, Kai Grunitz, announced that the company will utilize a brand-new software architecture in its ID.1 electric city car, which is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2027. This software has been co-developed with American EV brand Rivian as part of a joint venture.

The high-stakes stock buyout of Rivian by Volkswagen included the stipulation that Rivian's advanced software basis could be quickly applied to new Volkswagen models. The ID.1 will be the first model to use this software, and every subsequent model will also utilize the same software package.

Grunitz explained that the new software architecture is flexible, allowing the company to scale it up or down depending on the model. This means that the same software can be used in both cost-sensitive models like the ID.1 and more expensive models in the future.

The new software also enables Volkswagen to provide customers with new functionality through over-the-air updates without requiring physical modifications to the vehicle. Grunitz emphasized that subscription services for features are not part of the company's plan, as they can reach the desired price point without needing to do so.

The implementation of the new software package is expected to accelerate the development of new models, reducing the traditional five-year development process to just three years or even as low as 24-26 months for facelifts or new derivatives.

The ID.1 will be the first model to introduce this new technology, starting at the bottom of the range and expanding upwards. This will significantly change the way Volkswagen and its group cousins, including Skoda, Cupra, and Audi, develop and design their new all-electric models.