Rivian's software chief thinks you don't need CarPlay or buttons

Key takeaways

Voice interaction is poised to become the primary interface in future vehicles, reducing the reliance on buttons and touchscreens.
Rivian's approach focuses on building a deeply integrated, AI-powered assistant capable of controlling many vehicle functions and connecting with external digital ecosystems.
The joint venture with Volkswagen aims to create a scalable, adaptable electrical architecture shared across multiple brands, emphasizing a cultural shift towards software-defined vehicles.
Edge computing will play a key role in reducing latency and supporting real-time AI interactions within vehicles.
The future of in-car digital experiences will involve flexible, agentic platforms that can integrate small third-party apps and services via voice, enhancing personalization and convenience.

Summary

Rivian's Software Vision and the Future of Car Interfaces

Wassim Bensayet, Rivian's Chief Software Officer, discusses the company's ambitious vision to transition from traditional automotive interfaces to a predominantly voice-controlled, AI-enabled experience. He emphasizes that buttons are an anomaly and that voice should be the primary interface in modern vehicles. Rivian's approach involves developing a deep, integrated assistant capable of controlling various vehicle functions and seamlessly connecting with the user's digital ecosystem. The company aims to eliminate the need for various in-built apps and shift towards a conversational, agentic interface that can interact with many external services, including calendar and food delivery. Bensayet also advocates for local edge computing in vehicles to reduce latency and reliance on constant cloud connectivity.

The Joint Venture with Volkswagen and Software Architecture Strategy

The podcast explores the structure of Rivian and Volkswagen’s joint venture, RV Tech, which focuses on creating a new electrical architecture and operating system shared across multiple brands within the Volkswagen Group. Wassim explains that this approach involves designing a flexible, updatable platform that can adapt to different brand identities like Audi, Lamborghini, or Scout, while maintaining core shared technology. He highlights the cultural and technological shift necessary for large legacy automakers to embrace software-defined vehicles, and how Rivian's culture influences the joint venture’s innovations. The goal is to enable scalable, adaptable EV platforms that can evolve over time.

AI, Connectivity, and In-Car User Experience Challenges

A significant part of the episode discusses Rivian's pioneering AI-powered assistant and the technical challenges involved, such as latency, connectivity, and safety. Bensayet details how in-car AI uses a combination of local edge compute and cloud-based models, including partnerships with Google, to deliver real-time responses. The conversation covers the complexities of permissioning and safety in controlling vehicle functions, the distinction between safety-critical and non-critical features, and how vehicle architecture supports AI evolution. The analogy between voice and traditional button interfaces is explored, with Bensayet advocating for voice as the future while acknowledging that buttons will still have a role, especially for safety features.

The Future of Car Interactions and Platform Ecosystems

The discussion culminates in a debate about in-car app support, including CarPlay and Android Auto. Bensayet explains that Rivian’s strategy is to build an integrated, AI-driven digital ecosystem that reduces reliance on third-party apps and enhances user experience through natural conversation. He notes that the decline in demand for CarPlay among Rivian customers reflects their satisfaction with Rivian’s native features and AI capabilities. The conversation also touches on the possibility of integrating third-party assistants and the importance of a flexible, agentic architecture that can handle small apps or services via voice or connected ecosystems. The overarching theme is a move toward deeply integrated, seamless, and personalized in-car digital experiences.

Show notes

Today, I’m talking with Wassym Bensaid, the chief software officer at Rivian, and the co-ceo of Rivian’s platform joint venture with Volkswagen. That joint venture, called RV Tech, is about a year and a half old, so I wanted to ask Wassym how it all works and Rivian’s ongoing relationship with Volkswagen.

Because it’s Rivian, I also had to ask Wassym about CarPlay. But the company also just launched an AI-powered voice assistant, which I got to try early. So I had a lot of fun digging into that with Wassym, too. This is a fun one – really in the weeds of a lot of my favorite things to talk about.

Links:

Rivian’s AI-powered voice assistant is ready to roll | The Verge

The R2 is nearly here — can Rivian stick the landing? | The Verge

Rivian’s AI pivot is about more than chasing Tesla | The Verge

Rivian / VW will start testing their first EVs next year | The Verge

Rivian CEO: ‘We’re really convicted’ about skipping CarPlay | Decoder (2025)

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says too many carmakers are copying Tesla | Decoder (2024)

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe isn't scared of the Cybertruck | Decoder (2023)

Rivian’s chief software officer says in-car buttons are ‘an anomaly’ | TechCrunch

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Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt,. This episode was edited by Xander Adams. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.
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