Rivian, the prominent electric vehicle maker, took a significant step on Thursday by opening a charging station in Joshua Tree. This station is not only accessible to Rivian owners but also to owners of many other EV brands. It represents a major milestone in the electrification of the transportation sector.

Key Features and Amenities

Dubbed the Joshua Tree Outpost, this charging station offers a unique blend of amenities. Just like traditional gas stations, it provides snacks, coffee, and of course, restrooms. Additionally, there is a kids' play area and educational displays on EV basics and the ecology of the nearby national park. With an estimated 3 million visitors annually, this presents a lucrative opportunity for Rivian in a state where all new cars sold by 2035 must be zero-emission.The company opened a similar charging outpost near Yosemite National Park earlier this year, but this is the first one accessible to non-Rivian EVs. In the near future, Rivian plans to open more charging locations in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York.Using a new charger design that accommodates any compatible EV in North America, these sites are set to play a crucial role in supporting the electrification of the entire transportation sector.A spokeswoman mentioned that mileage would vary by brand and model. However, drivers can reach downtown Los Angeles on a single charge at this station.Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe emphasized, "Since the beginning, we’ve understood that … to achieve widespread electrification, you also need a really good charging network. Now, we’re excited to bring the Rivian Adventure Network–with its ease of use and exceptional reliability–to other EV drivers around North America, investing in a future where charging on the road will be simple, sustainable, and convenient."Strategically located near outdoor adventure spots, these machines offer rapid charging up to 900 volts and feature CCS connectors with support for North American Charging Standard (NACS)-equipped vehicles using an automaker-approved adapter. Native NACS connectors, also known as SAE J3400, will be available with a future hardware update.

Charging Your EV Near Joshua Tree National Park

The new chargers meet design and siting requirements to be eligible for federal and state infrastructure funding. This allows Rivian to expand its charging infrastructure for all EV drivers. As the network grows, charging will become an important source of revenue. The charging stations are also powered by 100% renewables.Located at 61142 29 Palms Hwy across Highway 62 from the Joshua Tree Inn, the station charges 45 cents per kilowatt hour for Rivian vehicles and 60 cents for other EVs. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.This story has been updated with information about the driving range on a charge, which was received after the story was posted.Janet Wilson, senior environment reporter for The Desert Sun, and co-author of USA Today Climate Point, a weekly newsletter on climate, energy, and the environment, brings valuable insights to this story.