Rivian has unveiled a new electric vehicle (EV) charger design aimed at broadening the utility of its Rivian Adventure Network (RAN), as the company plans to open up its charging network to other EVs later this year.
Rivian’s latest charger design features compatibility with both 400-volt and 800-volt EV systems, utilizing CCS connectors initially as Rivian prepares to integrate the North American Charging Standard (NACS) into its future models, starting in 2025.
Initially, NACS-equipped vehicles will require an approved adapter to utilize these new chargers, bridging the gap until direct support is integrated into the hardware.
Visually the new chargers are much taller and have a sleeker design (old design on left, new design on right below). The changes aren’t only aesthetics, as they also have improved functionality, including a larger display and a tap-to-pay terminal. Designed to accommodate a variety of EVs, these chargers are strategically planned to be installed in trailer-friendly locations at sites where space allows, catering to a broader range of EV owners.
Rivian plans to retrofit existing RAN sites with this new charging technology, in addition to deploying them at all new locations. As of early 2024, the RAN comprised 67 locations in the US with around 400 chargers. There are currently no RAN sites in Canada.
Rivian hopes to grow this network to approximately 600 sites featuring over 3,500 charging stalls in Canada and the US, significantly increasing the network’s capacity and reach.
This infrastructure expansion is not just a growth strategy but also a move to qualify for funding under the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, among other state and federal initiatives.
Rivian’s move mirrors an industry trend where major EV manufacturers are opening up their proprietary networks, a shift pioneered by Tesla’s decision to make its Supercharger network available to other EV brands.
Electrons for all! Later this year we’ll begin opening the Rivian Adventure Network to compatible electric vehicles. We’ll also be introducing new chargers that feature a convenient tap-to-pay experience and the ability to provide fast charging to a wide range of EVs across a… pic.twitter.com/pE7CX0NNr5
— Rivian (@Rivian) April 26, 2024
