RV Tech Eyes Major Palo Alto Expansion as Hiring Ramps Up

According to the San Francisco Business Times, the two automakers’ tech-focused company, RV Tech, is hunting for a new headquarters in Palo Alto. They’re looking for around 75,000 square feet to handle the rapid growth that’s coming.

A spokesperson for RV Tech said the move is all about getting closer to Silicon Valley’s deep talent pool. The new HQ will focus on building the software and electrical systems that will power both Rivian and Volkswagen vehicles, helping make EVs cheaper to build and easier to scale.

Volkswagen’s $6 billion investment gives it access to Rivian’s simplified software setup, which will eventually show up in VW’s future EVs like the upcoming ID.1. For Rivian, it’s a chance to become more than just an automaker, they’re positioning themselves as a key tech supplier for the EV world.

The Palo Alto location makes perfect sense. Tesla still keeps its main engineering hub there, and Elon Musk’s xAI is expanding in the same area. Add in Stanford and the constant stream of top-tier engineers, and it’s easy to see why Rivian and VW want in.

RV Tech already has about 70,000 square feet in Palo Alto for R&D, so this expansion would nearly double their presence. It’s another sign that Rivian is leaning into software as the next big differentiator in EVs, and that they’re not afraid to build right next door to Tesla.