Rivian’s upcoming R2 platform has taken center stage in a major strategic shift at Volkswagen, with the German automaker confirming it will use the scalable architecture as the foundation for all its future electric vehicles.
The news was confirmed by Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer and co-CEO of the Rivian-Volkswagen joint venture. In a recent interview, Bensaid said that the R2’s modular and scalable tech stack would “underpin actually all future EV products at VW,” including models across brands like Audi, Skoda, and Volkswagen itself. (via Reuters)
Rivian R2: The Future Backbone of VW EVs
The R2 is Rivian’s upcoming midsize SUV, designed to compete with vehicles like the Tesla Model Y. It’s expected to begin production in the first half of 2026 and carry a starting price of around US$45,000. But beyond expanding Rivian’s lineup, the R2 will now serve a much larger purpose — providing the platform and software backbone for the next generation of Volkswagen Group EVs.
Volkswagen’s internal EV development efforts have struggled in recent years, particularly with software delays from its in-house CARIAD unit. Those setbacks also impacted key vehicles in the portfolios of sister brands Porsche and Audi.
This strategic partnership with Rivian offers a way forward, allowing VW to leverage Rivian’s proven software systems and vehicle architecture while still allowing each brand to tailor the driving dynamics, user interface, and overall experience.
Customization on a Shared Platform
While the R2 architecture will be the common denominator, each VW brand will retain its identity. “Each brand will have their own UI, look and feel,” said Bensaid. “Each brand will have their own suspension tuning … but underneath the guts of the vehicle will be optimized based on the same technology and software architecture.”
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Volkswagen’s upcoming compact EV, the ID.1, is expected to launch in 2027 and be the first vehicle to feature Rivian’s platform. Audi and Skoda are also preparing future models that will benefit from the shared technology.
A Win-Win for Rivian and VW
The partnership is mutually beneficial. Rivian gains the financial backing it needs to scale up production and bring the R2 to market, while Volkswagen accelerates its EV roadmap with a robust and mature platform. Rivian’s R2 is also an evolution of its second-generation R1 platform, with significant engineering and manufacturing improvements designed to streamline production.
As Rivian prepares for the R2’s launch, the stakes are high. The vehicle is central not only to the company’s product expansion but also to its financial future. And now, it’s also the cornerstone of Volkswagen’s electric future.
