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Billions for the Future
In November 2024, the two companies announced a joint venture worth €5.5 billion. Volkswagen is investing a total of $3.5 billion in Rivian, securing a significant stake in the company. An additional $1.3 billion is earmarked for the development of joint software, while another $1 billion will serve as a credit reserve for future projects. The goal: to completely redesign the electrical architecture of future models – both in hardware and software.
The joint venture is headquartered in Silicon Valley, already employs over 1,000 engineers, and is building additional sites in Europe and the U.S. The first tangible results are already on the horizon: in 2026, the compact Rivian R2 will be the first vehicle to benefit from the collaboration. Volkswagen, in turn, plans to gradually integrate these technologies into its brands – not only VW, but also Audi and possibly Porsche.
Golf 9: An Icon Goes Electric
The first flagship project of the partnership is symbolic: the ninth generation of the VW Golf, which will be fully electric. A move that CEO Thomas Schäfer sees as a clear statement. At the same time, the collaboration with Rivian is intended to fix the teething problems of the earlier ID models. The Golf 9 will be based on the new SSP platform, while Rivian will initially focus on the electronic control units – the components that manage all vehicle functions, from the braking assistant to climate control.
Maximus: Technology with Impact
Even more exciting for the industry is Rivian’s new Maximus drive system. It will debut in the R2 in 2026 and is setting new standards: a laterally integrated inverter makes the system more compact, lighter, and more efficient. All power electronics are housed on a single circuit board – simplifying the technology while reducing costs.
Thermal management has also been cleverly designed: the inverter housing directs coolant directly between the power modules and the heat exchanger. This eliminates the need for additional components, reduces weight, and minimizes potential failure points. Another breakthrough lies in stator production: instead of 264 welds as in the previous Enduro motor, the Maximus requires only 24. This speeds up production, improves reliability, and significantly lowers costs.
An Opportunity for Wolfsburg
For Volkswagen, this boost in innovation comes at just the right time. The company is grappling with high costs, declining profits, and intense competition from China. Rivian’s Maximus motor could make a decisive difference – not only technologically but also economically.
In parallel, Rivian is developing a new battery format: cylindrical 4695 cells from LG Energy Solution, set to replace the current 2170 cells. The change is expected to further enhance range and performance. Whether the Golf 9 will actually feature this powertrain remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the partnership gives Volkswagen access to cutting-edge technology, while Rivian secures financial strength and new markets.
Conclusion: Between Wolfsburg and Irvine, a genuine win-win partnership is emerging – one that could reshuffle the balance of power in the electric vehicle market.
