Rivian is looking to make some new headway in the electric vehicle (EV) industry by expanding its Adventure Network to accommodate vehicles beyond its own lineup. Initially exclusive to Rivian models like the R1S SUV and R1T truck, this charging infrastructure will soon be accessible to other EVs, marking a significant shift in the landscape of EV charging networks. Rivian’s move mirrors a broader trend of automakers opening up their charging networks, a departure from the previous era of proprietary networks like Tesla’s Supercharger network.
This shift towards interoperability is facilitated by the adoption of standardized charging ports, particularly the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which was previously associated with Tesla’s unique port design. As more automakers embrace NACS for their upcoming EV models, Rivian plans to transition to this standard with its 2025 vehicles. In the interim, the company is extending access to its chargers to vehicles equipped with the Combined Charging System (CCS) ports, which is the prevailing standard among non-Tesla EVs.
To accommodate this transition and improve user experience, Rivian is introducing new chargers with enhanced features. These chargers boast larger display screens, tap-to-pay terminals for added convenience, and compatibility with both 400- and 800-volt EVs. Moreover, Rivian aims to replace its existing chargers at 67 locations with these updated models and significantly expand its network to encompass 600 locations with 3,500 chargers.
Overall, Rivian’s decision to open its charging network underscores a commitment to promoting EV adoption and addressing concerns about charging infrastructure accessibility. By embracing interoperability and enhancing charging capabilities, Rivian is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EV charging ecosystems.
