Rivian has placed its first Adventure Network fast charger on the East Coast, as it works to introduce 600 locations across the country.
The Rivian Adventure Network is the truck maker’s answer to the Tesla Supercharging Network. At Adventure Network charging locations, Rivian drivers have exclusive access to renewable 200kW fast charging, often in locations off the beaten path---hence the name.
While these chargers have already been placed more consistently throughout the West Coast, Rivian will now be installing its first Adventure Network charger on the other side of the country in Blowing Rock, NC.
According to Reddit user AudubonDriver, the upcoming Adventure Network charger was spotted at the Shoppes at the Parkway in Blowing Rock. The Adventure Network fast chargers can be differentiated from Rivian’s less powerful Waypoint chargers thanks to the immense power station and more prominent charging posts seen in the pictures posted by the user.
Rivian received broad support when it announced the Adventure Network in 2021: 600 locations with 3,500 chargers, placed where adventurous owners will need them, close to adventure. Since the company’s announcement, it has made good on that goal. Rivian chargers can be found from the middle of the mountains of Colorado to the deep forests of Washington state, with the exception of much of the Central and all of the Eastern U.S.
Rivian is also working to place 10,000 of its Waypoints, smaller 11.5kW chargers typically located near shops, restaurants, parks and more. While retaining the automatic charging feature for R1 owners, these chargers are also open to other EVs.
With this Adventure Network charger placement, Rivian is not only making it easier for customers to charge their vehicles, but it is inching closer to nationwide deliveries.
According to the Rivian support site, one major factor that contributes to a reservation holder receiving their vehicle is the customer’s proximity to the company’s service locations. With the introduction of charging infrastructure in North Carolina, many have wondered if a service station will follow, bringing with it vehicle deliveries to the state.
Rivian has placed 16 of its promised 600 Adventure Network charging locations and 28 service stations across 18 states and provinces, showing the American automaker still has a lot of work to do.
Abby Andrews