Rivian VW JV: cold weather test in Q1 2026 to unlock $1B investment. JV tech could extend to combustion cars

[Electric Rivilution]

Rivian and Volkwagen JV updates:

Cold Weather Testing Scheduled; Will Unlock Next $1B Investment

Winter testing is now officially set for Q1 2026. The next $1 billion investment from VW will be released upon the successful completion of cold-weather testing. The tests are designed to measure reliability and data flow within the zonal architecture under harsh conditions.

3 vehicles are scheduled to be tested: VW ID1, Scout, and an Audi model. Only one needs to pass tests in order to secure the $1B funding.

To review, here are the financial milestones of the VW investment deal:

• Secured $1 billion (2025): Rivian met the requirement of achieving two consecutive quarters with a gross profit exceeding $50 million, unlocking a $1 billion investment from VW.
• Potential $1 billion (2026): Volkswagen will invest another $1 billion in 2026 upon the successful completion of cold-weather testing of the new EV platform.
• Total investment potential: The total potential investment from VW is up to $5.8 billion by 2027, with the remaining $3.5 billion tied to future operational, technical, and financial milestones.

Source: https://www.autonews.com/ev/ane-vw-rivian-jv-sdv-id-every1-1112/



Rivian JV tech could extend to combustion cars in future

Also, VW said today that Rivian JV tech could extend to combustion cars:

https://www.reuters.com/business/au...uld-extend-combustion-cars-future-2025-11-12/

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[savethemanual]

I knew there would be some Rivian DNA in the Scout!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Audi model... ?

 

[Sgt Beavis]

If they start selling the ID1 in the US, I’m going to 3D print “0T” badges for some shenanigans…

 

[usulio]

I knew there would be some Rivian DNA in the Scout!

I'm frankly disappointed because I see Rivian's software as unreliable and an extra point of failure. Scout buyers will not want their truck going into turtle mode because a sensor got bumped somewhere.

 

[captainjp]

I'm frankly disappointed because I see Rivian's software as unreliable and an extra point of failure. Scout buyers will not want their truck going into turtle mode because a sensor got bumped somewhere.

I’d say MOST newer-model vehicles go into turtle mode “because a sensor got bumped somewhere”

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I'm frankly disappointed because I see Rivian's software as unreliable and an extra point of failure. Scout buyers will not want their truck going into turtle mode because a sensor got bumped somewhere.

What EV made doesn't share that issue?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Rivian software unreliable? LOL. Missed all headlines about software problems at Volvo, Polestar, Hyundai, KIA, Ford, VW, Audi, Porsche, GM... Some people. Why are you even here? Still.

 

[mkg3]

According to the Automotive News, VW is pausing additional investments. Don't know if it affects the new tranche of Rivian investment and/or JV is at risk.


"VW said to delay investments amid financial uncertainty; Audi U.S. production at risk

Volkswagen Group’s supervisory board has postponed the approval of its multibillion-euro investment package, German newspaper Bild reported, citing several sources from within the automaker."

 

[usulio]

Rivian software unreliable? LOL. Missed all headlines about software problems at Volvo, Polestar, Hyundai, KIA, Ford, VW, Audi, Porsche, GM... Some people. Why are you even here? Still.

My Leaf has never had a hint of a software issue. My Rivian, often - usually harmless. Of course, Rivian tries to do far more with its software, which is part of my point...

Why am I here? To learn about and get the most out of my adventure vehicle. But not to be a fanboy, I'll praise Rivian for what it does well and call a spade a spade.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

My Leaf has never had a hint of a software issue. My Rivian, often - usually harmless. Of course, Rivian tries to do far more with its software, which is part of my point...

Why am I here? To learn about and get the most out of my adventure vehicle. But not to be a fanboy, I'll praise Rivian for what it does well and call a spade a spade.

Oh right. That juvnile logic again: if you don't agree with me, you must be a fanboy. Other brands have their own software problems. That's a fact. Yet you paint Rivian as being the absolute worst... as if VW didn't know what they were doing in selecting Rivian, over others, as their $5.8B partner? What does that make you? a hater? a troll? And have nothing positive to contribute?

 

[usulio]

Oh right. That juvnile logic again: if you don't agree with me, you must be a fanboy. Other brands have their own software problems. That's a fact. Yet you paint Rivian as being the absolute worst... as if VW didn't know what they were doing in selecting Rivian, over others, as their $5.8B partner? What does that make you? a hater? a troll? And have nothing positive to contribute?

I don't think my post above or my post history substantiate anything you're saying here.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I’d say MOST newer-model vehicles go into turtle mode “because a sensor got bumped somewhere”

Changed the rear rotors and pads on my R1T this week. Did something I shouldn't and ended up with the electronic parking brake running the caliper piston all the way out while the caliper was off the truck. Truck went into a failsafe mode that said something like "driving disabled until brakes serviced". Couldn't even get it into neutral anymore, other side was locked up and wouldn't release.

Rebooted the truck and got one cycle into neutral, which was long enough to pull the other caliper off the rotor, but it immediately went into that same failsafe mode.

It was fine after completing the service and rebooting the vehicle, but I was definitely a bit worried the truck was gonna be stuck without Rivian's involvement. My first time changing brakes on a vehicle that has an electronic parking brake.

 

[pricedm]

Changed the rear rotors and pads on my R1T this week. Did something I shouldn't and ended up with the electronic parking brake running the caliper piston all the way out while the caliper was off the truck.
...
My first time changing brakes on a vehicle that has an electronic parking brake.

FYI for any vehicle with electronic parking brake, disconnect wires/power to the caliper prior to starting service. Good to hear you got everything resolved.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

Rivian and Volkwagen JV updates:

Cold Weather Testing Scheduled; Will Unlock Next $1B Investment

Winter testing is now officially set for Q1 2026. The next $1 billion investment from VW will be released upon the successful completion of cold-weather testing. The tests are designed to measure reliability and data flow within the zonal architecture under harsh conditions.

3 vehicles are scheduled to be tested: VW ID1, Scout, and an Audi model. Only one needs to pass tests in order to secure the $1B funding.

To review, here are the financial milestones of the VW investment deal:

• Secured $1 billion (2025): Rivian met the requirement of achieving two consecutive quarters with a gross profit exceeding $50 million, unlocking a $1 billion investment from VW.
• Potential $1 billion (2026): Volkswagen will invest another $1 billion in 2026 upon the successful completion of cold-weather testing of the new EV platform.
• Total investment potential: The total potential investment from VW is up to $5.8 billion by 2027, with the remaining $3.5 billion tied to future operational, technical, and financial milestones.

Source: https://www.autonews.com/ev/ane-vw-rivian-jv-sdv-id-every1-1112/



Rivian JV tech could extend to combustion cars in future

Also, VW said today that Rivian JV tech could extend to combustion cars:

https://www.reuters.com/business/au...uld-extend-combustion-cars-future-2025-11-12/

I think Rivian is adamantly against using the JV tech in internal combustion vehicles. Considers it a step backwards. I think they’re ok with EREVs, like the Scout, but not purely combustion vehicles. It defeats the purpose of their mission.

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