Rivian launches its first charging station open to other EVs, promises more this year

Today Rivian announced the launch of its first charging location in its Rivian Adventure Network that accepts other EVs. It’s located in the Joshua Tree Charging Outpost in California, and is open to the public already.

Rivian wants to open additional charging locations with support for other EVs by the end of the year at sites in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York.

These chargers are 100% powered by renewable energy and deliver up to 900V and have CCS connectors. EVs with an NACS connector will be able to use them with an automaker-approved adapter. Native support for NACS will arrive with a future hardware update.

Each charger has a larger display and tap-to-pay, to enable “effortless use” with or without the Rivian mobile app. Nothing will change for Rivian EV owners, as they’ll still get the same seamless authentication experience at the chargers as always. Well, one thing that might change is that the Rivian chargers could get more crowded now that anyone can use them.

The new chargers are eligible for “relevant federal and state infrastructure funding”, Rivian says, so the company is looking forward to receiving subsidies for future expansion.

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said:

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.