Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is making waves in the industry with its plans to open the Rivian Adventure Network chargers. CEO RJ Scaringe recently shared some insights during a roundtable discussion about the company’s progress in this area.
Since 2020, Rivian has been developing its own in-house charging network, focusing on strategically placing charging sites along routes to beautiful natural destinations. One prime example of this is the recent opening of the first “Charging Outpost” near Yosemite National Park. This renovated gas station now serves as a unique ranger cabin-style stop for drivers to refuel both their cars and themselves.
While initially focused on Rivian vehicles, the company has now announced plans to open its network to other brands, with an expected launch by the end of 2024. Scaringe hinted at an upcoming announcement regarding this expansion, indicating that non-Rivian customers will have access to the network through a separate app experience, likely integrated into the Rivian app.
In a strategic move, Rivian acquired A Better Route Planner (ABRP) last June, a popular charge planning app for EVs, to enhance its app development for the network. With 91 sites and around 700 chargers, Rivian’s network is still smaller than Tesla’s Supercharger network but boasts high uptime and reliability as it scales.
Scaringe emphasized the importance of offering a top-tier charging network to promote electrification and provide drivers with more options and dependable service. Despite Rivian’s commitment to CCS cables, the company has embraced the NACS transition, offering adapters to its owners. While current vehicles feature native CCS ports, future models may adopt native NACS ports, aligning with the industry trend towards standardization.
Looking ahead, Rivian plans to continue expanding its charging network, with a focus on seamless integration with the NACS standard. While dual-charging-head strategies are not currently in the works, Rivian aims to ensure that charging cables are long enough to reach different vehicle port locations.
As Rivian prepares to open its network to a wider audience, EV enthusiasts can expect more news and updates in the near future. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a key player in the evolving electric vehicle landscape. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Rivian and the Rivian Adventure Network.
