Opening the three DC fast charging sites is an important and first step toward Rivian’s plan to install 3,500 fast chargers at 600 sites across North America. But these fast chargers are just one piece of Rivian’s dual EV infrastructure strategy to install more than 10,000 chargers by the end of 2023.
The Rivian Adventure Network includes fast chargers located along interstates, like the one that opened in Salida, and another layer that is atypical in the EV industry.
Rivian is also installing so-called Level 2 AC chargers at adventurous destinations like mountain bike and hiking trailheads, kayaking spots, national and state parks and even popular climbing crags. The aim is to appeal directly to Rivian’s customer base and notably, to attract new buyers. All of Rivian’s Level 2 AC chargers, which the company has dubbed “waypoints,” are open to the public and accessible to all electric vehicle brands with a J1772 plug. The DC fast chargers are only accessible to Rivian customers.
Rivian started last July to install the first of these waypoints at all 42 Colorado state parks. Each park will have two Rivian waypoints each.
