Rivian, the innovative automaker known for its electric vehicles, has recently announced a partnership with Ionna, a DC fast charging network supported by major automotive giants. This collaboration is set to benefit Rivian R1T and R1S owners, as they will now have the convenience of seamless plug-and-charge access at Ionna Rechargeries.
The move comes as a boon for Rivian owners planning road trips, as they will now have easier access to charging stations. Ionna, a relatively new DC fast charging network, boasts the backing of eight prominent automakers, including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, and Toyota. The ultimate goal of Ionna is to establish 30,000 charging bays across the United States by 2030.
Currently, Ionna operates 12 charging stations in the U.S., offering 400-kilowatt chargers with both Combined Charging System 1 (CCS1) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors. These stations are equipped with amenities such as restrooms, food and beverage options, and canopies, resembling traditional gas stations rather than basic EV chargers.
While Rivian has its own charging networks, including the Rivian Adventure Network of DC fast chargers and the Rivian Waypoints network of Level 2 chargers, the partnership with Ionna signifies the company’s commitment to providing a seamless charging experience for its customers. Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, emphasized the importance of offering choices and options to customers, highlighting the company’s belief in a seamless, open ecosystem.
Drawing parallels to the Tesla Supercharger integration, Bensaid mentioned that the Ionna partnership aims to provide a similar user-friendly experience. Rivian was one of the first non-Tesla automakers to gain access to the Supercharger network last year, enabling Rivian EV owners to utilize select Superchargers with a charging adapter for quick top-ups.
The collaboration with Ionna signifies Rivian’s dedication to enhancing the charging infrastructure for electric vehicle owners. By providing a seamless and convenient charging experience, Rivian aims to cater to the needs of its customers while embracing an open ecosystem approach. With this partnership, Rivian owners can look forward to more accessible and user-friendly charging options on their journeys.