Volkswagen’s new EV brand, Scout Motors, confirmed it will use the software and zonal architecture developed through the Rivian and VW Group joint venture for its first vehicles, set for production in 2027. This joint tech platform, initially intended to power most VW vehicles, will also be integral to Scout’s models, marking a big milestone in the $5 billion Rivian-VW partnership expected to be finalized by year’s end.
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, shared that although Scout’s Traveler SUV and Terra pickup prototypes resemble Rivian’s tech and style, each brand will maintain a unique identity and features. Scout’s zonal architecture will simplify the vehicle’s electrical system, with only a few computers controlling distinct zones. While Scout and Rivian share design sensibilities, Bensaid emphasized that their collaboration encourages diversity and competition within the EV space, with Rivian’s influence serving as a strong validation of its market impact.