Rivian's software business has suddenly become very valuable.

The joint venture RV Tech between Volkswagen and Rivian recently started sending signals: this software stack for electric vehicles is not just for selling its own cars, but can also be sold to others.

Data Speaks

Rivian's latest financial report reveals clues. In the third quarter, the software and services segment contributed $154 million in gross profit, directly offsetting the $130 million loss from the automotive business, resulting in a hard-earned $24 million in positive gross profit. In other words, without this software income, Rivian would still be losing money.

Why is this trap so appealing?

1. Strong scalability: Designed to support different vehicle models and engine displacements, and can even be used on fuel vehicles (this is a hidden big killer)

2. Third-party licensing potential: Ford has previously used Volkswagen's EV platform, and this approach has been validated. Rivian and Volkswagen are now looking to replicate this model.

3. Cost Optimization: Developing a partitioned architecture to manage functions with fewer controllers, directly reducing costs.

The real test is in 2026

R2 will be the first real user of this trap system, and the price point of 45,000 USD is very accurate. If R2 ramps up delivery, the revenue share from the software stack may become increasingly significant—this is a high-margin business.

But the risks are also evident: Rivian is essentially a new force in the automotive industry, and production capacity, supply chain, and market acceptance are all variables. This is a high-risk, high-reward bet.