Rivian is ready to take on one of Tesla’s biggest advantages: its extensive charging network. How The Verge Observations, Rivian revealed plans to install more than 10,000 CA Level 2 chargers (“Waypoints” in Rivian jargon) in the United States and Canada by 2023. The first installations are due in July, when Colorado’s 42 state parks will receive two chargers each . All Waypoints will be placed close to restaurants, stores and other common stops.
These stations will not be as fast as the more than 3,500 DC chargers that will define Rivian’s proprietary Adventure Network (also in 2023), but their 11.5 kW charging speed should offer up to 25 miles per hour for the R1T and the R1S. And unlike Adventure Network, they will be open to any vehicle that can use a J1772 connection. Think of them more as ways to relax your mind as you shop or approach your destination.
Adventure Network chargers will offer at least 200kW of charge (300kW later) for 140 miles of range. They will have automatic charging and will be powered exclusively by renewable energy. The Rivian line can also charge any station that supports CCS, such as Electrify America’s.
This will not make Tesla very nervous. Elon Musk’s outfit has more than 20,000 Superchargers worldwide in more than 2,000 stations, many of which load faster than Waypoints. However, the plan may ease the fears of Rivian’s buyers, who are concerned that they will have few official collection options after leaving home.