Rivian is the Latest to Offer Full Service EV Charging, a Growing Trend

In the charming, historic gold rush town of Groveland, California, Rivian has revitalized an abandoned gas station to create their first Charging Outpost. This unique charging site is designed not only for drivers to recharge their EVs but also to rest and refresh before continuing their journey. It is a showcase for sustainable practices of all kinds, proving a highly commendable concern for the earth’s fragile environment.

During the restoration of the new Yosemite Charging Outpost, Rivian’s teams focused on minimizing waste when removing materials or using new ones. As visitors pull up to the site, they’ll be greeted by native plants designed to attract and support pollinators. The materials from the old parking lot and sidewalk have been ingeniously repurposed into the site’s retaining wall, demonstrating Rivian’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.

Thanks to a partnership with US Solar, the building itself is a Net Zero Energy Building, generating as much power as it consumes. US Solar, a national developer, owner, and operator of solar projects, focuses on providing accessible clean energy solutions and is a key collaborator in advancing Rivian’s clean energy mission. This collaboration ensures that the Charging Outpost not only supports electric vehicles but also operates sustainably, in harmony with its natural surroundings.

During peak travel seasons, Groveland sees thousands of visitors daily, many of whom are en route to nearby attractions, most notably Yosemite National Park, which lies just 24 miles to the east. The Rivian Yosemite Charging Outpost caters to this influx of travelers, offering a host of amenities from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Additionally, Rivian owners will have 24-hour access to high-speed charging, ensuring they can always power up their vehicles whenever needed.

The outpost’s creation transforms a relic of the fossil fuel era into a modern, sustainable hub for EV drivers, perfectly aligning with Rivian’s mission to support the transition to clean energy. Visitors can expect a welcoming environment that not only meets their charging needs but also provides a pleasant break in their journey.

The space’s design and thoughtfulness around sustainability help elevate the charging experience beyond that of your typical gas station or highway rest stop, said Liz Guerrero, Senior Director of Environments at Rivian.

“As much as we want to keep people moving on their journey, we also want to make sure they know that when they stop at one of our Charging Outposts, they’re in for a relaxing and recharging pit stop,” Guerrero said. “We want people to feel really good about the experience and for it to add to their journey.”   

Rivian Waypoint Charging Network

Rivian has installed 58 Waypoints chargers across 11 sites at popular destinations within Yosemite Valley. These installations significantly expand access to Yosemite National Park, enabling more electric adventures in one of the largest and most undisturbed natural habitats in the Sierra Nevada.

In addition to the new Yosemite Charging Outpost near the west entrance of the national park, Rivian recently opened a Rivian Adventure Network charging site near the eastern entrance of Yosemite in Lee Vining, California. This strategic placement ensures that visitors traveling from different directions can conveniently charge their EVs before entering the park.

By establishing these charging sites, Rivian is making it easier for EV drivers to explore the natural beauty of Yosemite while promoting sustainable travel and reducing the environmental impact of their journeys.

Rivian says it’s installing more than 10,000 Waypoint (Level 2) chargers in North America, many of them inside or around national parks. As of May 2024, Rivian has built 424 high-speed chargers at 70 sites and an unspecified number of Level 2 chargers.

Rove Plans to Bring Full-Service Charging to EV Drivers Throughout Southern California

Conveniently located off the I-5 at the corner of E 17th Street and Lincoln Ave in Santa Ana California, Rove’s first full-service electric vehicle charging center will pair DC fast charger plugs with modern amenities all in one place.

Opening Summer 2024, this facility is designed to offer a seamless and comfortable experience for EV drivers, combining the convenience of high-speed charging with a range of modern amenities to enhance the charging experience.

The onsite Fresh Market will offer modern conveniences and quality fare, including freshly brewed coffee, locally sourced baked goods, snacks, and grab-and-go meals from local grocer Gelson’s. Additionally, the location will feature 24/7 access to bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and a car wash, ensuring that Rove’s charging center not only meets the practical needs of EV drivers but also provides a comfortable and enjoyable stop along their journey.

As early EV adopters, two of Rove’s founders had experienced first-hand just how unprepared the world was for electric vehicles. In 2021, they joined forces with Newlight, a private investment firm that made an initial investment in the project. This partnership enabled Rove to address the challenges faced by EV drivers and work towards creating a more EV-ready world. In addition to the Santa Ana location, the company plans four other locations in Southern California.

Jeffrey Toon, Co-Founder & Chief Development Officer, Rove Operating, LLC, said: “We will be providing 40 charging stalls with fast, easy and safe charging supported by amazing amenities (Gelson’s Markets). As one of the largest public charging stations in the region, we can offer less waiting for a charger and more time to do the things you love. Opening this summer, in Santa Ana CA.”

Getaway Space Raising Investment Funds Through Crowdfunding

Getaway Space is the newest company to offer full-service EV charging. The company plans to open a location in Los Angeles, CA, in the fourth quarter of 2024. The location will offer 40 ultra-fast chargers, and will be open 24 hours a day. The location will be a safe and clean location offering restrooms, high-speed wifi, 24/7 security, and interactive experiences. Getaway Space will provide premium cafe meals and coffee through a partnership from a major local organic brand.

The company plans to run a Reg CF crowdfunding investment in Q4-2024. Regulation CF (Reg CF) is a section of the United States Code of Federal Regulations that allows eligible companies to sell securities through a crowdfunding platform. Contact Getaway Space for more information.

Steve Kuh, CEO at Getaway Space, said: “The fact is that while there are 145,000 gas stations in America, only 10,000 EV stations have been built so far. We have a long journey ahead. I believe that EV drivers will greatly appreciate the modern amenities and quality organic food at Getaway Space. Therefore, we are currently in negotiations with a major local organic café brand to bring their entire menu to Getaway Space. Come recharge and relax with us.”

Electrify America Opens First Indoor Flagship Station in San Francisco

In February 2024, Electrify America, the largest open DC fast-charging network in the U.S., announced the opening of its first indoor flagship station available to the public at 928 Harrison St. in San Francisco, California.

Located two blocks from the Bay Bridge, the indoor charging station provides easy access for EV drivers visiting the South Market (SoMa) neighborhood. It features 20 hyper-fast chargers providing up to 350 kilowatts (kW) of charging power. While waiting for their vehicles to charge, customers can make use of the dedicated temperature-controlled lounge areas with food and beverage vending options, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and restrooms.

With a focus on the customer experience, the all-new indoor charging station offers EV drivers 24/7 access, round-the-clock monitoring and security, and a lounge area providing customers with comfort and convenience amenities, in addition to 20 of Electrify America’s next-generation chargers.

“We’re committed to making EVs accessible to all, particularly in dense urban areas like San Francisco,” said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. “Our expertise in building over 250 stations in California and more than 900 in North America uniquely positions us to bring high-quality charging infrastructure directly into communities where people live and work and support EV adoption across the state.”

Why Full Service EV Charging Stations are Needed

As the EV revolution grows, full service EV charging stations are a natural evolution. For too long, EV charging has been relegated to dark, back corners of lonely parking lots. Early EV adopters faced waiting for their vehicles to charge, without nearby open restrooms or opportunities to purchase food and drinks. These full service stations solve those problems, enriching the EV driver’s experience. As EVs move to mass adoption, this is one feature that will encourage more drivers to switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric. EVinfo.net commends these companies offering full service EV charging for their forward-thinking leadership.