The iconic hatch may have found its saviour. Volkswagen confirmed that the fully electric Golf is already in the works and will be one of its first EVs to feature Rivian’s (RIVN) advanced software.
Rivian tech will power up the Volkswagen Golf EV
Can Rivian help the hatch find its place as an EV? That’s what Volkswagen is betting on. The next-generation hatch, set to arrive as the ID Golf, will feature an entirely new platform and software.
In November, Volkswagen and Rivian officially launched a new EV software alliance, “Rivian and VW Group Technology.” The German auto giant plans to invest up to $5.8 billion into Rivian and the new joint venture by 2027.
The partnership will build upon Rivian’s current electrical architecture and software stack, used in the R1S SUV and R1T pickup, for its next-gen “software-defined” EVs.
Rivian’s midsize R2 will be one of the first to feature the new platform, while Volkswagen plans to launch a series of next-gen “high volume models that are fully capable of advanced automated driving functions” built on the stack.
The first will be the production version of the ID.EVERY1, VW’s entry-level EV which will start at under $22,000 (20,00 euros) when it arrives in 2027.
After that, the Volkswagen will launch the electric Golf based on Rivian’s EV software stack. Volkswagen’s tech boss, Kai Grunitz, said “The ID 1 will be the very first vehicle with that architecture and will be the frontrunner on our side for the ID Golf.”
Grunitz added that starting with ID.1 “reduces the risk” because it requires less functionality than what the ID. Golf requires.
Since Rivian’s software system is much simpler with just a few ECUs compared to its current models (which run on way too many different units), VW can offer various levels of functionality.
“Vehicles in lower price segments will just need one zone, while a premium vehicle might need three or four, depending on functions,” Grunitz explained.
Rivian’s software and EV architecture are “highly flexible and highly updatable,” VW’s tech boss explained, adding, “We see it already on the road with Rivian today,” with regular OTA updates adding new capabilities.
This is “the next step” for Volkswagen so it can “offer new functions to customers even after they have bought their car” without even touching them.
According to Autocar, the electric Golf will also be one of the first vehicles built on its new SSP platform. With an 800V architecture, the next-gen platform will significantly improve charging times and efficiency.
Volkswagen’s head designer, Andreas Mindt, confirmed to Autocar that the team is officially working on the ID.Golf. “The Golf is a special thing within Volkswagen, and you have to stay true to the Golf,” he said, but he was tight-lipped about the design.
The upcoming electric Volkswagen Golf is expected to arrive around 2028 and be sold alongside the current gas-powered model.
Electrek’s Take
Although the Golf has historically been one of Volkswagen’s top-selling vehicles and is still popular, it’s starting to lose ground to new, more advanced electric models in the same segment.
Top comment by Leo O'Connor
A smaller car with 800v and Rivian software? That sounds great for VW.
Volkswagen already tried to revive the Golf as an EV. Remember the e-Golf? The electric car was retired to make way for the more advanced ID.3.
With Rivian’s help, the next-gen Volkswagen Golf EV promises to deliver much more with advanced tech and software.
Meanwhile, Rivian plans to launch an even smaller and more affordable R3 crossover and sporty R3X model. Will it compete with the electric Golf? We’ll find out more soon. Check back for the latest.
What do you think? Can Rivian preserve the Golf’s legacy as an EV? Let us know in the comments.
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