Tech
Rivian’s Exclusive Charging Network Set To Open To Other EV Brand
After Tesla opened a good chunk of its charging network to competing brands, Rivian is doing the same. Admittedly, Rivian’s network is nowhere near the size of Tesla’s, but it’s still more than welcome amidst USA’s big EV charging station shortage.
According to the company’s CFO, Rivian will start opening its charging spots sometime next year and has pledged to build 600 new charging stations by 2025. These stations will offer a total of 3,500 DC fast chargers capable of up to 200kW output, although they could be upgraded to 300kW in the future. That’s an ambitious goal, given that the current number of Rivian charging stations is just 30.
In addition to the fast chargers, Rivian plans to build a network with level 2 chargers, which are considerably slower but still useful in areas where drivers spend more time, like hotels and parking lots.
There is no denying that Rivian’s fast charging network — even post-expansion — will be significantly smaller than that of Tesla. However, third-party EVs will find it easier to hook up to Rivian’s chargers, given that the company uses an industry-standard charging plug, unlike Tesla, which only recently made its plug an open standard.
In conclusion, Rivian’s decision to open up its charging network to the public is a strategic move that reflects the company’s broader focus on infrastructure. By tapping into a wider market of EV drivers, Rivian will be able to expand its customer base and increase its revenue streams. The move also reflects a broader trend in the EV industry towards interoperability between different charging networks. As more and more companies enter the market, there is a growing need for standardization and collaboration to ensure that EV drivers have access to reliable and accessible charging infrastructure.
