Rivian, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced that it will be opening its charging network to the public. The decision was revealed by the company’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, as Rivian aims to take advantage of the federal EV proliferation incentives that have been expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act. By allowing non-Rivian vehicles to use its chargers, the company hopes to ease the cost burdens of developing infrastructure.
According to a report by Automotive News, the network could be opened up to outsiders as soon as next year. While this move may seem similar to Tesla’s recent announcement that it will open up its Supercharger network to outside brands, there are some key differences. Rivian’s infrastructure is far less robust and more decentralized, due to the company’s focus on increasing charging opportunities for those who plan to take their adventures off pavement.
Dozens of existing locations make up the “Rivian Adventure Network”, with many already equipped with high-output DC fast chargers. Rivian has plans to significantly expand this network, with over 3,500 fast charging stations spread across approximately 600 sites. Despite Rivian’s charging network being advertised as exclusive, the company uses an industry-standard charging plug, which will make it easier to accommodate outside brands.
Opening up its charging network to the public is a crucial move for Rivian as it continues its gradual progress toward the EV mainstream. The company’s innovative electric adventure vehicles have garnered a dedicated following, but their success heavily depends on the availability of a robust charging network. Thus, the decision to open up the network to outsiders is a logical next step for Rivian.
