Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen's boss, confirmed the collaboration with Rivian. He said, "We decided on how to do the software-defined vehicle. It will happen with Rivian, the joint venture, where we put the new electric electronics architecture together. But we have also decided that we want to start this journey with a more iconic product. So we'll start with the Golf."
The two companies will work together on a $5.8 billion project. They'll develop the electric architecture and software for Volkswagen's next-generation cars. The new Golf will use the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) and will be all-electric.
Volkswagen stopped making the e-Golf to focus on the ID.3. But now, Kai Grünitz, head of technical development, says they'll likely stop making the ID.3. Before that happens, Volkswagen plans to give the ID.3 a makeover in 2026. They'll redesign it completely, add better hardware, improve the interior, and include more physical buttons.
The new electric Golf has big shoes to fill. It's expected to be a popular car, just like its predecessors. There might be a time when both the ID.3 and the new electric Golf are available.
The current Golf, known as the Mk8, came out in 2019. It runs on gas, diesel, and as a plug-in hybrid. These versions might stick around until 2035 when the EU plans to ban new cars that produce harmful emissions.