The joint venture of Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (abbreviated as RV Tech) has successfully completed the winter testing of the zone architecture intended for the first generation of their software-defined vehicles. During a multi-month test cycle at locations in Phoenix (USA) and Arjeplog (Sweden), a mixed team of experts from Volkswagen, Audi, Scout and RV Tech confirmed the performance of the electronics and software.
A new billion in the game
Successfully completed, this step represents a key milestone in the development of technology that should set new standards within the Volkswagen Group. At the same time, the cooperation between VW and Rivian, normally worth over five billion dollars, entered a new phase, in which the VW Group will invest another billion dollars in the American manufacturer.
CEO of the Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blumepointed out that the successful completion of the tests demonstrates the speed and precision of the joint venture’s work. According to him, “the aim of the close integration of the Group’s partners and brands is to accelerate development in order to become global leaders in automotive technology”. The emphasis is on products that will “offer customers advanced technological solutions through continuous innovation.”
Testing in extremes
The test program was conducted in two phases, first in Arizona where engineering teams finalized key software functions and prepared reference vehicles for European conditions. The second phase took place in Sweden, where the systems were subjected to stress tests on snow and ice. A special focus was on the interaction of hardware and software in the segments of four-wheel drive, traction control and general driving performance, with simultaneous validation of system update functions via the Internet.
The results showed that the software-defined (SDV) architecture works reliably even in harsh climatic conditions and dynamic driving modes. This created the foundations for the next development phases within the joint venture, but also for individual brands within the Group. This architecture is intended primarily for electric vehicles in Western markets.
Exchange of knowledge
Along with technical testing, Volkswagen Group brands are implementing programs to strengthen their own software competencies. Volkswagen’s passenger vehicle division will send its experts for training at RV Tech, with the aim of getting to know the architecture of the joint venture in depth so that the acquired knowledge can later be implemented in the parent development departments in Wolfsburg. Audi and Porsche are currently preparing similar training and exchange programs.