In addition to producing electric vehicles, Rivian operates the American charging station network, the Adventure Network. The brand's vehicle owners, thus far, have enjoyed the network services entirely for free. However, Rivian has decided that the era of complimentary energy is drawing to a close, signaling its plans to start charging for their services.
Rivian’s Growing Network Necessitates Revenue Generation
In the coming days, Rivian owners should brace themselves for invoices to arrive for their charging services. The company’s CEO, RJ Scaringe, explained earlier this year that the automaker engaged in infrastructure construction primarily due to restricted accessibility and slow public funding for network development. By April, Rivian was operating thirty stations with six stands each. Upon project completion, Rivian aims to offer over 3,500 stands across more than 600 locations within two years of the initiative’s commencement.
These stations are strategically placed along both smaller and major transportation routes. All stations are being built with the potential to increase power from 220 kW to a final 300 kW. With the current capacity, Rivian vehicles can replenish an additional 225 kilometers of range within twenty minutes. In response to feedback, the manufacturer continuously strives to enhance not only the station conditions but also overall user-friendliness. Alongside fast DC chargers, Rivian is installing over 10,000 level-two slow chargers under the Waypoints series.
Photo: Rivian charging 2
Stations to Open for Other Users
Similar to the brand’s vehicle models, the charging stations are equipped with wireless data transfer functionality for system updates. This feature speeds up not only the addition of new functions but also station diagnostics. From the outset, Rivian planned to offer free services to its customers at least throughout the network’s construction phase. However, with a sufficiently large and expanding network, a full-paid plan is on the near horizon.
Owners of Rivian’s large pickups and SUVs will receive an email detailing revised charging terms. The charging process remains unchanged, allowing Rivian’s customers to charge using the Plug & Charge mode without further authorization. The modification primarily concerns subsequent payment. Prices will be visible on the stations, navigation, and mobile app. A significant reason behind the move towards fees is the plan to open up charging opportunities to other brands.
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