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When it comes to EV charging infrastructure, I feel like Rivian’s efforts don’t get a lot of attention. It’s a relatively new network, and it’s not built by a company that starts with a T and ends with -esla. But, what I’ve seen on Plugshare and on social media indicates that the company has been building a reliable network in places that are presently underserved, so Rivian’s Adventure Network is having an outsized impact and hitting well above its weight.
Opening Up The Network
As we previously shared a few days ago, Rivian made a specific announcement about the availability of the Adventure Network to all EVs. It’s not news that Rivian plans to do this, but now the company is committing to a timetable: the second half of this year.
This should be a pretty easy process, as the network already uses the CCS standard. So, on day one of an open network, other EV drivers will either be able to plug in directly or use available adapters to charge a vehicle with Tesla’s NACS plug. Eventually, the network will likely have to swap out for native NACS, but that isn’t a big deal because it’s electrically all the same. It’s just a difference of the position of the conductors and the shape of the plug at this point. So, adapters really aren’t a problem.
One big thing this gains the company is access to cold hard cash (or the electronic equivalent). Being open to everybody means that the company can expand its network by applying for NEVI funds across the United States.
Two More Stations Announced, With Pull-Thru Spaces!
Just because the network’s going to be opened up to other networks doesn’t mean that Rivian is going to slack off. The growth of the Adventure network is still going steadily forward, and two new stations that the RAN Tracker account on Twitter or X or whatever Elon identifies it as now reveal some nice details.
The first one is at Gallup, New Mexico:
The Rivian expansion on I-40 continues east towards New Mexico!!
Plans have been submitted for 6 RAN charging dispensers at the American Heritage Plaza in Gallup. pic.twitter.com/BMazhkilHh
— Rivian Adventure Network Tracker (@RANtracker) February 17, 2024
Looking at the map and schematics for the site, it’s going to be a nice one. It’s near a freeway exit, so people will be able to get to it easily. It will have a total of six stalls, with five in a traditional front-in parking arrangement and one off to the side that makes life easier for people pulling trailers. The long space will be marked for trailers only, and it should be accessible from either the left or the right so people with plugs on either side of the vehicle should be able to take advantage of it. Instead of a curb, there will be painted lines along most of the trailer space to prevent rim rash.
As I’ve seen elsewhere on Plugshare in New Mexico, this isn’t all about pulling RVs.
One Plugshare user passing through Tierra Amarilla (near Chama) used an R1S for some serious work pulling a backhoe. Despite some pretty steep climbs between Santa Fe and there, there was enough charge to get that far, and the choice to locate a station there and so close to another in Chama proved to be not only useful, but essential in this case.
So, we know that the Rivian Adventure Network’s new trailer stall coming in Gallup will very likely get put to work!
Another new site that’s equally cool will be put in at Wickenburg, Arizona, soon.
New RAN coming soon to Wickenburg, with permits filed last December! https://t.co/wTMyqTT9tj pic.twitter.com/5cvZsB23S6
— Rivian Adventure Network Tracker (@RANtracker) February 19, 2024
Like the one in Gallup, New Mexico, it’s set up for five pull-in spaces and one pull-thru space. But this time it’s off on another row of the parking lot. The charging equipment will be on a concrete island, with the ability to pull through two existing spaces to get a charge. Maneuvering space might end up a little tight, but manageable. But, given the small size of the overall lot, it’s going to require enforcement to keep people from ICEing the space.
This station is going to be critical for Rivian drivers because it helps close up a charging gap between Phoenix and Kingman, Arizona. This stretch of road can be covered well by most EVs, but when towing, it’s a bit harder. The only other station currently in Wickenburg is at a dealer, and that’s not ideal at all. Dealers close at night and long-term reliability of dealer charging stations hasn’t been great in the United States.
Between this station opening up to all drivers and the opening up of the Wickenburg Supercharger to other EVs, this will end up providing a lot more capacity for that route. On top of that, this will be Wickenburg’s only pull-thru charging stall, so trailer drivers will have a much easier time. Hopefully more pull-thru stalls are in the works!
Soon, the highway going through Wickenburg will be upgraded and become Interstate 11, so it’s a critical route to have not only basic, but adequate charging along. It’s already a major route between two major US cities, so the need is already there now. All that’s going to change in that area in the near future is what color the sign is and what numbers are on it.
If you’re with an EV charging company, consider looking into adding more capacity along the future I-11. There really needs to be at least one more charging station around Nothing (that’s a real place on the map) and Wikieup. That would really close the gap up for good.
Finally, word on the internet is that new RAN stations are going to be built with a lot more compatibility with other brands’ EVs. Instead of being located off to the side with only enough cable to reach a Rivian or Tesla plug, the chargers will be center in the space with a long enough cable to reach any vehicle.
Hopefully Tesla does something similar with its V4 units soon!
With all of these developments, it’s pretty clear that Rivian is serious about improving not only the reliability, but reach and capacity of the U.S. charging network. This is not only good for Rivian, but good for the whole industry.
Featured image by Rivian.
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