Rivian’s Opens Its Charging Network to All

In a first for the company, Rivian is opening its charging network up to all EV drivers, helping ease one of the biggest challenges facing drivers.

Range anxiety remains one of the biggest obstacles to widespread EV adoption, a problem exacerbated by different charging standards and closed-network charging stations. As one of the leading EV makers, Rivian is trying to address the problem by opening its charging network.

The company announced the news in a press release.

Rivian today announced the planned launch of its first next-generation Rivian Adventure Network charging locations, which allow for non-Rivian electric vehicles (EVs) to charge alongside the company’s R1T pickup and R1S SUV. Using a new charger design to accommodate any compatible EV in North America, these sites are an important milestone in support of electrifying the entire transportation sector.

The first next-gen site the company is opening is its Joshua Tree Charging Outpost in California, but the company expects to open additional sites in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas this year.

Strategically located to encourage more people to drive electric on their next adventure, these chargers will deliver rapid charging up to 900 volts and feature CCS connectors with support for North American Charging Standard (NACS)-equipped vehicles with an automaker-approved adapter. Support for native NACS connectors, also known as SAE J3400, will come with a future hardware update. Each charger will also include a larger display and tap-to-pay to enable effortless use with or without the Rivian mobile app. Rivian drivers will continue to have the seamless authentication experience they enjoy today.

The company says its next-gen charging stations meet the requirements for “relevant federal and state infrastructure funding,” helping the company accelerate its network expansion. The company also says its Rivian Adventure Network sites are powered by 100% renewable energy.

“Since the beginning, we’ve understood that creating great products like the R1T and R1S only made up half the equation,” said Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. “To achieve widespread electrification, you also need a really good charging network. Now, we’re excited to bring the Rivian Adventure Network–with its ease of use and exceptional reliability–to other EV drivers around North America, investing in a future where charging on the road will be simple, sustainable, and convenient.”

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