From the beginning, Rivian intended its charging network to be at least partly publicly accessible. Now it’s ready to open its Adventure Network DC fast-charging sites to electric vehicles from other brands.
This will be the case with what Rivian calls its next-generation Adventure Network sites, the first of which opened Thursday in Joshua Tree, California. Rivian said that it expects to open additional locations in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York in the coming year.
Rivian Adventure Network charging site in Joshua Tree, California
These sites will offer DC fast charging at up to 900 volts, with Combined Charging Standard (CCS) connectors initially. Vehicles with Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) will also be able to charge via adapters, Rivian said, with built-in NACS connectors coming as part of a future update as Rivian moves to adopt NACS for its EVs as well.
Rivian also noted that these new chargers “meet the design and siting requirements to be eligible for relevant state and infrastructure funding.” The automaker expects government funding to help pay for further expansion of the network, which it sees as “an important source of revenue” going forward.
Rivian Adventure Network charging site in Joshua Tree, California
New chargers will also have larger displays and a tap-to-pay option, allowing for use with or without Rivian’s mobile app. The automaker said it will employ “100% renewable energy matching” to ensure a lower overall carbon footprint for EVs charged on its network.
Rivian started deploying its first Adventure Network chargers in 2022 as part of a “two-tier” strategy alongside Waypoint Level 2 AC destination chargers. In keeping with the automaker’s brand image, the network has been planned as a backcountry counterpart to the Tesla Supercharger network, with chargers primarily located near recreational sites.
