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Volkswagen and Rivian Poised to License EV Technology to Competitors

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 12:36 GMT by Detroit News

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Volkswagen and Rivian Eye Licensing EV Technology to Other Automakers

Detroit News – November 13, 2025

In a move that could reshape the electric‑vehicle (EV) industry, two of the market’s most ambitious newcomers are exploring ways to monetize their proprietary technology by licensing it to other automakers. Volkswagen AG and Rivian Automotive, both of whom have already proven themselves in the rapidly expanding EV sector, are reportedly in talks to offer battery and power‑train technologies to a range of competitors, from long‑time rivals like Ford and Toyota to emerging players in Asia.

1. The Genesis of a Licensing Strategy

The article opens with a succinct statement of the problem: EV sales are soaring, but the cost of developing cutting‑edge battery systems, power electronics, and charging infrastructure remains staggering. “We’ve poured billions into R&D, but we’re not getting the revenue streams we need to keep the technology profitable,” said Thomas Schinecker, VW’s chief operating officer, during a recent press briefing in Munich. “Licensing is a natural next step.”

Rivian’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, echoed similar sentiments. At a joint press conference in Detroit, he explained that while the company’s R1T pickup and R1S SUV have achieved impressive sales figures, the margins on each unit are razor‑thin. “We’re looking to turn our technical innovations into a product line that can generate revenue for both us and our partners,” he told reporters.

2. What Will Be Licensed?

a. Volkswagen

Volkswagen’s offer centers on the “MEB” (Modular Electric‑Drive Matrix) platform, which underpins the ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6 among other models. Key components include:

• Battery Management System (BMS): VW has developed a next‑generation BMS that optimizes cell health and extends cycle life. The system can be integrated into any EV battery pack, allowing for better thermal regulation and faster charging times.
• 800‑Volt Powertrain Architecture: The MEB platform’s high‑voltage design allows for quicker DC‑DC conversion and reduced charging times. VW is reportedly offering this architecture to other OEMs who wish to adopt 800‑V systems without starting from scratch.
• Software Stack: VW’s “WeGo” infotainment and driver‑assist suite, built on an open‑source Linux foundation, can be customized and deployed across different vehicle models.

b. Rivian

Rivian’s proposal focuses on its proprietary battery architecture and autonomous‑driving software:

• Cell Design and Chemistry: Rivian uses a high‑energy‑density cell format (approximately 4.5 Ah per cell) with a proprietary Li‑ion chemistry that offers superior safety and a projected 7,000‑mile lifetime for the R1T. Rivian plans to license the cell design, allowing other manufacturers to produce batteries that are both safer and more energy‑dense.
• 800‑Volt Battery Pack: The R1T’s battery pack can be charged to 80 % in roughly 30 minutes. Rivian is offering the architecture for OEMs that wish to adopt fast‑charging capabilities without the high cost of a custom design.
• Autonomous Driving Software: While Rivian has yet to launch fully autonomous vehicles, its Level‑2 and Level‑3 software stack has already shown promise in test fleets. Licensing this software to other automakers could accelerate the adoption of automated driving systems.

3. Who Are the Likely Partners?

The article points to a wide range of potential partners:

• Ford Motor Company: Having announced plans to build its own electric Ford F‑150 Lightning, Ford is actively searching for ways to lower battery costs. VW’s 800‑V architecture and Rivian’s cell chemistry could provide a competitive edge.
• Stellantis: The new parent of Fiat‑Chrysler and Peugeot‑Citroën is looking to electrify its lineup, especially the high‑end Alfa Romeo models. Licensing the MEB platform would allow Stellantis to avoid the high capital cost of a new battery factory.
• Toyota: While Toyota has largely relied on internal combustion, it has shown interest in EVs. Licensing technology from VW could provide a “quick‑start” to electrification, particularly for Toyota’s upcoming hybrid and plug‑in models.
• Hyundai/Kia: The Korean conglomerate is expanding its electric lineup. Their upcoming “Genesis” EVs could benefit from a high‑voltage architecture and advanced BMS.
• Emerging Markets: Companies in China, India, and Southeast Asia—especially joint ventures between local firms and global players—could be keen to adopt proven technology.

4. The Financial Motive

The article cites data from VW’s 2025 earnings call. While sales of the ID.4 and ID.6 topped 300,000 units, VW’s EV margin stood at a modest 4.7 %. The licensing strategy would create an additional revenue stream that could help VW meet its 2030 sustainability targets without a proportional rise in production costs.

Rivian’s board, according to insider information shared in the article, sees licensing as a means to pay down its $10 billion debt load. “We’re at the tipping point where every dollar of revenue helps us get closer to profitability,” the board memo reportedly said.

5. Legal and Technical Hurdles

The article does not shy away from the challenges. The biggest obstacle is intellectual property (IP) protection. While VW’s and Rivian’s patents are robust, they will need to negotiate complex licensing agreements that cover software, hardware, and manufacturing processes.

Another hurdle is supply‑chain alignment. For VW, licensing the MEB platform means that partners will need to source batteries from existing suppliers like LG Energy Solution and CATL, but also meet stringent quality standards. Rivian’s cell design, on the other hand, relies on proprietary cell geometry that may require partners to adapt their own factories or enter joint‑venture agreements.

Finally, there is the question of brand identity. Some automakers may be reluctant to license technology from direct competitors because it could blur the lines of differentiation in a market that is already crowded.

6. A Broader Industry Implication

The article concludes with a broader perspective: “Licensing EV technology is not just about making money,” said Schinecker. “It’s about accelerating the entire industry’s transition to electrification. By sharing the costs of research and development, we can get more people on the road in cleaner vehicles faster.”

Rivian’s Scaringe added that the move could also level the playing field for smaller firms that may not have the capital to develop battery technology from scratch. “Our licensing model could empower new entrants and keep the market competitive,” he said.

The piece suggests that, if successful, this strategy could trigger a wave of “technology‑agnostic” EV platforms, where OEMs choose a core battery and power‑train architecture and then layer on their own unique features. This could ultimately reduce costs, standardize parts, and accelerate EV adoption globally.

Key Takeaways

• VW and Rivian are considering licensing their battery and power‑train technologies to other automakers.
• VW’s MEB platform, 800‑V architecture, and software stack are the core offerings.
• Rivian’s high‑energy‑density cell design, 800‑V pack, and autonomous software are the primary draws.
• Potential partners include Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, Hyundai/Kia, and emerging market firms.
• Licensing could provide critical revenue streams, reduce development costs, and speed up industry-wide electrification.
• Major hurdles include IP protection, supply‑chain alignment, and maintaining brand differentiation.

The article ends with a note that both companies will start formal negotiations in the coming months, with a view to finalizing licensing agreements by mid‑2026. Whether this new wave of technology licensing will reshape the EV landscape remains to be seen, but it undeniably signals that the future of automotive innovation may be less siloed—and more collaborative—than we have imagined.