Rivian Expands Fast-Charging Network AND Opens Most Stations to All EVs

Expanding Nationwide Network

Rivian, the American EV startup known for its adventure-ready R1S SUV and R1T pickup, continues to grow its charging footprint across the United States. As of August 2025, the company operates 122 DC fast charging stations nationwide. Out of these, 93 stations are now open to all EV drivers, while 29 remain exclusive to Rivian owners.

This marks a rapid expansion compared to early 2024, when Rivian had only 67 operational locations. The company’s efforts reflect a broader industry trend: building robust charging infrastructure that supports not just one brand, but the wider EV ecosystem.

Opening Access Beyond Rivian Owners

In a recent blog post, Rivian revealed that over 75% of its chargers are now available to all EVs. Although the company did not disclose exact numbers, a review of Rivian’s charging map confirms the 93 public-access sites.

Rivian is currently retrofitting older stations so that all locations will eventually be open to non-Rivian EVs. This shift demonstrates a clear change in strategy—moving away from a proprietary, brand-only network toward an inclusive model similar to Tesla’s Supercharger expansion.

Transition to NACS Connectors

Another major update is Rivian’s adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), better known as the Tesla-style connector. The company has already begun installing NACS cables at its newer Charging Outposts, and older stations will be gradually upgraded.

At this stage, most chargers include both CCS1 and NACS plugs. However, Rivian has stated that CCS1 will eventually be phased out, leaving only NACS connectors. This aligns with the company’s new EV lineup—the R2, R3, and updated 2026 R1 models—all of which feature NACS ports.

While this ensures compatibility with the future EV landscape, owners of earlier R1T and R1S models (with CCS1 ports) will need adapters to continue using Rivian stations once the transition is complete.

Smarter and More Convenient Charging

To improve the charging experience, Rivian has recently integrated Google Maps into its in-car navigation system. This upgrade provides drivers with real-time routing, live traffic updates, and charger availability data. Importantly, Google Maps users outside Rivian’s ecosystem can also see Rivian station status, increasing the visibility of its network to the broader EV community.

The company is also paying attention to user experience at the stations themselves. The latest stalls feature longer charging cables and larger display screens, making it easier to plug in regardless of vehicle size or port placement. All of these chargers are manufactured at Rivian’s own facility in Normal, Illinois, underscoring its commitment to vertical integration.

100% Renewable Energy Commitment

Sustainability is central to Rivian’s brand identity, and the charging network follows the same principle. The company confirmed that all electricity supplied through its DC fast chargers comes from renewable energy sources, purchased from partners with zero-emission portfolios.

This not only reinforces Rivian’s environmental message but also helps the company appeal to eco-conscious EV buyers who want their vehicle use to align with a clean-energy lifestyle.

From Exclusive to Inclusive: A Brief Timeline

The first Rivian Adventure Network chargers went live in Salida, Colorado, in 2022, exclusively for R1 owners. At launch, charging was free, reinforcing Rivian’s positioning as a premium lifestyle EV brand.

However, as the network expanded, Rivian began charging users in November 2023, transitioning to a paid model similar to Tesla’s. In mid-2024, Rivian started opening sites to non-Rivian EVs, signaling its intent to compete not only in the vehicle market but also in the fast-growing charging services sector.

Today, with over 120 sites live and more planned, Rivian is positioning itself as a serious player in the EV charging race, alongside Tesla, Electrify America, and EVgo.

The Road Ahead

Rivian’s approach to its charging network is a balancing act: maintaining strong brand value for Rivian owners while also tapping into the larger EV driver base. By expanding coverage, adopting NACS, and committing to renewable energy, the company is working to ensure that its Adventure Network is not just an exclusive perk, but a competitive public asset in the EV transition.

With federal and state governments pushing for wider EV adoption, Rivian’s open-access strategy could help accelerate charging availability in underserved regions. For EV drivers, the takeaway is clear: Rivian’s chargers are no longer just for Rivian owners—most are ready for anyone hitting the road in an electric vehicle.

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