Will Rivian’s New Charging Network Benefit Motorcyclists?

[advrider]

Electric SUV manufacturer Rivian opened the first Rivian Adventure Network site in Salida, Colorado. The site began public operation on Monday, June 27 with four chargers, including a pull-through charger to accommodate vehicles towing trailers. The site also hosts four “Level 2” Rivian Waypoints chargers, which are available for use by any EV—not just Rivian vehicles—through the Rivian smartphone app. In all, Rivian has opened three fast charging sites that week in Colorado and California. These “Level 3” DC fast charging sites will initially provide over 200 kilowatts of power, allowing Rivian drivers to add as much as 140 miles of range in just 20 minutes and creating new opportunities for sustainable adventure far from home.

Presumably the Waypoint chargers will also be available for motorcycles, and will extend the potential destinations for their riders quite considerably. Just take a look at the map.

Rivian’s ambitions are spectacular, as the map shows. Photo: Rivian

“Rivian exists to create products and services that help our planet transition to carbon neutral energy and transportation. Rivian designs, develops, and manufactures category-defining electric vehicles and accessories and sells them directly to customers in the consumer and commercial markets. Rivian complements its vehicles with a full suite of proprietary, value-added services that address the entire lifecycle of the vehicle and deepen its customer relationships. You can learn more about the company, products, and careers at rivian.com.

“We designed Rivian charging to support electrified adventure, and these first sites demonstrate how we’re enabling drivers to responsibly reach some of the nation’s most breathtaking natural spaces,” said Trent Warnke, Rivian’s Senior Director of Energy and Charging Solutions. “In addition to scenic or off-the-beaten-path destinations, our fast charging rollout is designed to ensure travelers have places to charge along major transportation corridors coast to coast.”

It looks like the wilderness will become more accessible to electric riders. Photo: The Bear

“Recognizing that vehicle electrification is only one step in reducing environmental impact, Rivian is matching charging on Rivian Adventure Network and Waypoints chargers with 100% renewable energy on an annual basis. Rivian is engaging directly with clean energy developers and operators to promote tangible contributions to a cleaner grid when drivers plug in. To support this initiative, Rivian is building a portfolio of high-impact renewable projects around the country that balance technologies, location, and energy solutions. Integrating these solutions into a company-wide sustainability strategy is a foundational step on our path toward net-zero carbon emissions.”

Rivian intends to continue opening Rivian Adventure Network sites with an initial goal of 3,500 fast chargers at 600 sites across North America. But the news I’m really waiting for is that a major electric motorcycle manufacturer like Zero has signed up for its bikes to use the “Level 3” fast chargers.

 

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