Next Volkswagen Golf goes EV with Rivian software

The electric Volkswagen Golf will use a software system developed as part of joint venture with American EV maker, Rivian.

Due out in 2028, the electric Golf will be the first to use VW’s new software system, co-developed with Rivian. And it gets a new name, ID Golf.

The huge investment by VW into Rivian resulted in a flexible new electric architecture that controls all the main functions of the vehicle. It also allows for over-the-air updates.

The new software will actually debut in the production version of the ID Every1 city car in 2027. That way any glitches can be sorted before it goes into ID Golf.

The switch to a software-driven vehicle architecture helps to contain EV development costs.

Known as a zonal architecture, all the software systems are consolidated onto a small number of ECUs, rather than running multiple control units. Cheaper vehicles need just one zone, while a premium vehicle might need three or four, depending on functionality.

This new software is highly flexible and updatable. VW can offer new functions to customers even after they have bought their car.

The ID Golf will also be amongst the first to use Volkswagen Group’s next-generation SSP EV platform. It will feature an 800V electrical architecture, for faster charging times and greater efficiency than current ID EVs.

It will also feature more autonomous driving functions. 

The upcoming Golf will also be one of the first EVs to use Volkswagen’s new unified battery cells. They will feature in roughly 80 per cent of future models and can exploit different battery chemistries and technologies.

A cell-to-pack design permits more cells to fit into a given space, adding capacity and efficiency. Volkswagen Group will produce the cells as well.

VW design chief Andreas Mindt said his team is working on the new ID Golf right now. Meanwhile, the ID Every1 concept and the ID 2All concept both go into production next year with a new design language. But the ID Golf will likely retain key styling features of the outgoing model.

The new ID Golf will be made in Wolfsburg while Mk8 Golf manufacture will continue on in Mexico. It will continue to be sold alongside the ID Golf, for as long as there is demand for ICE power versions.

Golf has been made in Wolfsburg since 1974 but this move to include Mexican production is all part of cost cutting by the German car maker.

The speed of transition from ICE to EV power depends on global regional demand, according to Group chief Oliver Blume. He said the EU would likely be EV-only by 2035.

Production of ID 3 and Cupra Born will also move to Wolfsburg which will run two lines instead of four.