Officially named “The Rivian Adventure Network’, Rivian is launching its first DC fast-charging sites this week. These charging sites will offer EV drivers access to level 3 DC fast-chargers, which provide over 200 kilowatts of power. This marks the company’s first deployments in its effort to establish a US-wide DC fast charging network.
The first Rivian Adventure Network site is positioned in Salida, Colorado, and is officially opem to the public with four charging stations available for use. This site also includes a “pull-through” charger, which can accommodate vehicles towing trailers, as well as four Level 2 “Rivian Waypoint” chargers which can be utilized by any EV. The second and third Adventure Network sites have been placed in Inyokern and Bishop, California, with one opening today and the other opening tomorrow, June 29th. According to Rivian, these charging stations will be powered directly by renewable energy where possible and through certificates where it’s not.
Rivian chargers
According to previous announcements, Rivian plans to open 3,500 fast chargers across 600 Adventure Network sites across North America, with the “adventure” namesake alluding to the “off-roading” placement of the charging sites, which promise to be accessible to adventure-seekers, national park visitors, and RV parks as well. Initially, the charging network was to be completed by 2023; however, that now seems like an unlikely timeframe.
In addition to the Adventure Network, the automaker is currently working to ramp up EV delivery after falling short of production goals, and reporting a loss of US$1.5 billion. Rivian has also been contracted to make 100,000 electric delivery vans for Amazon.
