**Rivian Launches Its Own Electric Vehicle Charging Network**
Rivian, once a small American start-up manufacturing electric pick-up trucks and SUVs, has now positioned itself as a competitor to Tesla in the electric car software arena. The company has also made headlines by signing a partnership deal with Volkswagen to jointly develop electric vehicles.
In a bold move following in the footsteps of Elon Musk’s company, Rivian has announced the launch of its own network of charging stations. Dubbed the Rivian Adventure Network, these stations will offer ultra-fast charging capabilities, delivering power between 350 and 400 kW at 900 V. The network will span across the United States.
RJ Scaringe, the founder of Rivian, emphasized the importance of a robust charging infrastructure for widespread electrification. He stated, «We are delighted to offer the Rivian Adventure Network, with its ease of use and exceptional reliability, to other electric vehicle drivers.»
The first Rivian charging station has already begun operations in Joshua Tree, California. Additional stations will be rolled out in strategic locations such as Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York in the coming weeks to cater to high demand for Rivian vehicles.
What sets the Rivian network apart is its inclusivity. These stations will feature CCS Combo connectors, widely adopted in Europe and the U.S., along with adapters for Tesla’s proprietary NACS connectors. While native Tesla connectors will be offered in a future update, payment for charging at Rivian stations will be straightforward thanks to touchscreens enabling simple card transactions, regardless of whether customers utilize the brand’s app.
By establishing its own charging network open to all electric vehicles, Rivian aims to enhance the accessibility and convenience of electric vehicle charging, contributing to the advancement of sustainable transportation.
