Rivian’s Charging Network Opening to Other EVs, First at Fancy New Charging Outpost Joshua Tree

Rivian has just announced the start of its next-gen Rivian Adventure Network of charging stations. The new generation of charging sites will let other brand EVs charge as well as Rivian R1T and R1S models. The first site opens today, with more expected to go into service in seven states before the end of the year.

Rivian Offers More Than 3,500 Plugs

The Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) is the electric truck and SUV company’s answer to Tesla’s Supercharger network. It currently offers more than 3,500 Level 3 DC fast charge stations at 600 sites.

When the fast charge stations opened, they were exclusive to Rivian vehicles. With charging outputs of 200 kW (later expanding to up to 300 kW), they could give Rivian owners up to 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes. Crucially, and like the Tesla network, the Rivian Adventure Network was designed to be easy. Pull up and plug in.

This new generation of chargers is designed to cater to owners of a much wider range of EVs. The next-gen RAN stations will have CCS connectors but will support EVs with approved North American Charging Standard (AKA NACS or Tesla plug) adaptors.

Stations Will Get Full NACS Support in the Future

A future update to the stations will let them charge vehicles that came with NACS (also called SAE J3400) charge ports built in. The sites will offer 900W charging, allowing some of the fastest EV charging currently available.

Because they’re designed for a wider range of EVs from multiple automakers, the new stations will have tap-to-pay for use without the Rivian app. They will also get larger screens. Rivian owners will still be able to plug and charge.

Since the beginning, we’ve understood that creating great products like the R1T and R1S only made up half the equation. 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.

— RJ Scaringe, Rivian Founder and CEO

Rivian Charging Outpost Joshua Tree

Today, the first of the new charging stations opened to the public in Joshua Tree. The Joshua Tree Charging Outpost is located just a few miles from the west entry to Joshua Tree National Park and is also close to the off-road destination of Johnson Valley. It will include a merch and snack store and a place for users to sit and relax while they charge.

Other charging stations, but not necessarily fancy Rivian Charging Outposts, expected to open by the end of the year will be in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York. Rivian says all will be located “to encourage more people to drive electric on their next adventure.”