EV technology is improving at a rapid pace, but charging often still takes a little time. To ease the tedium, Rivian has been working on a little concept to keep its customers occupied while they stock up on electricity.
Head down to Groveland, California, and you’ll find Rivian’s first Charging Outpost. Built 24 miles from Yosemite National Park, it’s a step beyond a simple charging station. It’s intended to be a comfortable space for drivers to relax and recharge their own batteries, too.
The Charging Outpost features a comfortable lounge, decked out with sustainable furniture. Guests can sample educational games or a book from the onsite library while they kick back and enjoy a complimentary coffee. A refill station for water bottles will also be available, sticking to Rivian’s sustainable ethos. Oh, and there are five DC fast chargers on site, and restrooms to boot.
Naturally, there’s some Rivian merch available for purchase if you find yourself wanting to represent the brand while you’re out and about. A more creative feature is the “make your own” trail mix bar. You can whip yourself up a custom blend before you head out on your hike.
While the experience is very Rivian-themed, you don’t have to be a Rivian customer to drop by. “We want to support local communities or anyone traveling to these destinations, as well as making the charging experience even better than it is today,” said Liz Guerrero, Senior Director of Environments at Rivian.
The space is decorated with an aesthetic lean towards organic modernism. Exposed roof beams and simple wood furniture create a cabin-like vibe. A wall mural presents a call to the wild, showing climbing routes on the face of El Capitan.
Sustainability is a big focus for the site. Solar panels are used to generate enough power to run the building, though not the charging itself. It’s also been designed to use passive cooling techniques to minimize its energy use. Retaining walls were built with recaptured materials that formerly made up the sidewalk and parking lot.
The site has some historical significance, too. The Charging Outpost is built on the site of an old blacksmith’s shop dating back to 1870, not long after California’s gold rush kicked off. Later years saw it transform into an auto repair shop, and later a gas station.
Expect to see more Charging Outposts in future. Much like the first example, Rivian is aiming to roll out more installations in the vicinity of national parks and other “high-traffic areas” around the US. “Every Charging Outpost we create will be near incredibly beautiful and inspiring destinations,” said Denise Cherry, VP of Experience Design at Rivian. “We want to make it a place where you will be refreshed and inspired during and after your stop.” 
To a certain degree, Rivian’s concept is not that wild. A charging stop with coffee and refreshments isn’t that different to a regular charger installed at a gas station. The difference, however, is that the emphasis isn’t all about selling candy and soft drinks to passing travelers. It’s more about creating a comfortable spot to rest for a spell while your car tops up on juice.
A welcoming charge station with comfy chairs and a less commercial bent is surely a good thing for EV drivers out on the road. If you happen to find yourself in Yosemite seeking a charge, consider checking out Rivian’s new pad. If you do, let us know what you think!
Image credits: Rivian
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