Volkswagen will invest up to $5 billion in the joint venture with Rivian, including an initial $1 billion investment. The additional investments will take place through 2026, assuming the partnership achieves specific technical milestones.
The Rivian deal may affect Volkswagen's software subsidiary, Cariad, by potentially making it less relevant as the joint venture centralizes efforts for developing a unified operating system for vehicles. However, Cariad will continue to develop its own projects, such as software for automated driving. The partnership with Rivian is expected to speed up Volkswagen's software development and lower costs.
Volkswagen's partnership with Rivian aims to share EV architecture and software, with a focus on integrating infotainment, wireless connectivity, and autonomous driving functions. The joint venture, worth up to $5 billion, will help both companies accelerate their EV development and reduce component and materials costs.