America’s network of EV charging points is expected to get a boost thanks to automaker startup Rivian. The company has recently announced plans to build a nationwide network of fast-charging stations that can add as much as 140 miles in range in as little as 20 minutes.
Dubbed the Adventure Network, Rivian’s electric network will be purpose-built for owners of its electric vehicles, with the aim of smoothening out their charging experience by cutting down roadside plug-in time. According to the company, the network will cover popular routes across the US and Canada, and will see more than 3,500 chargers installed at 600 sites over the next two years.
The charging stations will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy and will be built near highways, main roads, cafes, and shops. The sites will cater to both of its current models, the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV, which were first introduced to the EV market less than three years ago. The cars’ built-in navigation system will even guide drivers to their closest charging site.
While the Adventure Network will be exclusively available to Rivian owners, the company is also building out a network of universal chargers for all EV owners. More than 10,000 of these chargers, called Rivian Waypoint, will be installed in the US by 2023. We recently wrote about a network of charging stations pioneered by energy utilities in the south and southeast. It’s exciting to see how rapidly charging infrastructure is expanding to support the transition to all-electric vehicles.
