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Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

thedrive.com

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Re: Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

#151

Post by insane_dreamer »

iknowstuff wrote: post #39
NotSammyHagar wrote: post #32

Their strategy was to build them where there weren't other dcfc chargers, opening up new areas especially around outdoors places. Their chargers are much better maintained in general than the infamous Electrify America (they really struggle to fix EA chargers when they have problems, and they have problems) - there's a long story behind this. Rivian started before the plan to use superchargers was even envisioned, so…

Tesla’s magic is excellent, quick, and cheap manufacturing coupled with their own dedicated software for them. And constant iteration. EA is a pathetic failure because its a hodgepodge of outsourced components (so very difficult to iterate) running on some shitty outsourced windows based software.

> windows based software

say no more

Re: Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

#154

Post by cyberax »

kccqzy wrote: post #68
Kirby64 wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

DCFCs are much more than a “fancy switch”. It’s a circuit capable of converting 3-phase high voltage AC into variable high voltage DC at 150-350kW. The power electronics are very, very expensive. As far as I’m aware, the large transformer you see usually hidden somewhere nearby is not the primary cost (although it is expensive, especially for very high wattage ones). And yes, it’s 200k per dispenser including the inf…

The expensive power electronics you speak of are not part of the dispenser. The dispenser is really just a very fancy switch. It performs some payment authorization and then switches on those expensive power electronics. If you look at a modern Electrify America unit, the dispenser is an extremely slim panel with a screen. It clearly isn't big enough to contain these power electronics. Now transformer isn't a great n…

That's because the power electrics are in a big white cabinet on the side.

DCFC electrics are absolutely insane.

Re: Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

#155

Post by nimish »

ggreer wrote: post #120
no_wizard wrote: post #96

Earlier quoted context omitted.

EV manufacturers (re: most car manufactures) are going to do all they can to get the government to subsidize this as much as possible. I noticed an explosion of EV charging stations where I live after the state government put incentives in to subsidize their build out. Other states have done it already and are doing it now. They're going to see the pattern of "I can get the government to subsidize this" and will hold…

It's important to distinguish Tesla from other companies. The others haven't figured out how to make chargers cheaply yet, so they're forced to ask for subsidies. That's why Tesla's bids on that Texas contract were so much lower than the competition. Tesla mass produces their charging stations in factories. Entire stations are assembled from modular units, mounted on a concrete slab, and shipped to the installation s…

The others don't _want_ to make chargers. They don't or want to know how.

Charging infrastructure is a public good so it ought to be the government's job to incentivize it, but Tesla's supercharger network works just as well.

Re: Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

#156

Post by AtlasBarfed »

m463 wrote: post #104
NotSammyHagar wrote: post #32

Their strategy was to build them where there weren't other dcfc chargers, opening up new areas especially around outdoors places. Their chargers are much better maintained in general than the infamous Electrify America (they really struggle to fix EA chargers when they have problems, and they have problems) - there's a long story behind this. Rivian started before the plan to use superchargers was even envisioned, so…

I've come to notice that there is no incentive for 3rd party ev-chargers to be dependable. Telsa and rivian have a vested interest in keeping the chargers working. Their sales depend on the chargers working. Even a little bad press is a multiplier against sales. They also have significant engineering effort throughout the charging ecosystem, from the batteries, on-board infrastructure, standards, mapping, strategic c…

I'd drop Tesla from that argument. No, not that the SC network is bad.

Their CEO alienated 50% of their customer base with politics. This is going to be one of the most interesting case studies in brand management and advertising history.

But you are probably correct. I think making the infrastructure act funding contingent on reliability metrics is pretty key.

You know, if the money doesn't get yanked by the administration in a month.

So what is the incentive for operational gas pumps: Oh right, the convenience store (even more important for EVs who have to idle longer) and brand name.

Re: Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

#157

Post by qwerpy »

Aloha wrote: post #140
qwerpy wrote: post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As a cybertruck owner who likes to drive deep into national parks, I'm optimistic about this. Tesla covers the big highways really well with their superchargers, but where they fall short are those adventure/outdoors destinations. E.g. the north cascades loop in WA state. You can find the occasional level 2 charger but they are painfully slow and aren't maintained well. Prior to the CT, Tesla didn't have "adventure-c…

How do you like the Cybertruck.. I find the appearance polarizing, much like G1 priuses.

It's a pleasure to drive and it has been great for what I use it for. Mostly family stuff but the occasional camping trip in the middle of nowhere. A Rivian R1S probably would have been more practical for me due to the 3 rows of seats. But I love the angular look. It's definitely polarizing, no question.

Some downsides: snow/ice can block the headlights, the windshield wiper and washer fluid sprayer are bad, the range isn't good compared to competitors.

Re: Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

#158

Post by yieldcrv »

izacus wrote: post #18

How did we get from a situation where you could just pay with cash/card for fuel to having monopolized single-brand car fueling stations?

Its the same story that gasoline went through

but yeah the current situation is currently bad, let me say something louder for the entrepreneurs in the back: undermaintained last resort fast-charging is one thing, but if you have a slow-charging network I'm not downloading your app

Re: Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

#159

Post by yieldcrv »

whicks wrote: post #29

Rivian's charging network map: https://rivian.com/experience/charging#map They have plans to install 3,500 stations across North America, but they have a ways to go to reach that level of density.

the densest part of LA is so underserviced - midcity

wealthy apartment dwellers that can't charge at home, being neglected by supercharging networks that believe its a last resort for long trips

Re: Rivian is opening its charging network to other EVs

#160

Post by elif »

NotSammyHagar wrote: post #32

Their strategy was to build them where there weren't other dcfc chargers, opening up new areas especially around outdoors places. Their chargers are much better maintained in general than the infamous Electrify America (they really struggle to fix EA chargers when they have problems, and they have problems) - there's a long story behind this. Rivian started before the plan to use superchargers was even envisioned, so…

Just came to say that Electrify America in late 2024 is NOT the Electrify America of 2023.

Legitimately you are looking at >90% odds that all stalls will be working at full power.

Idk how they got it together but knock on wood.

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