Today, we’re taking the Rivian R1T on a special mission to Joshua Tree. Rivian just opened their first-ever Charging Outpost that is officially open to all EVs. This is a massive step for EV infrastructure, moving away from closed ecosystems and toward a more inclusive future for road trippers.
Before we hit the desert, I had to top off. I checked out a fairly new Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) station in San Bernardino at the Inland Center Mall. Fun fact: I actually used to work at shoe stores in this mall back in the 90s!
Charging Tech: RAN and the New v1.5 Hardware
The San Bernardino station features nine chargers, including one dedicated pull-through stall for trailers. I arrived with 18% state of charge (SoC) and saw some impressive speeds.
- Peak Speeds: The r1t ramped up to 213 kW quickly. Rivian’s Gen 1 large pack batteries hold their charging curve surprisingly well. Even at 66% SoC, I was still pulling 110 kW.
- Efficiency and Heat: Fast charging generates some serious thermal load. My battery temperature hit 120°F during the session. This is why larger packs (like the Rivian’s) can sustain higher speeds—they have more thermal mass to manage the heat.
- Cost: 37 cents per kWh. However, thanks to the Rivian referral program, this session was free!
Joshua Tree Charging Outpost: The Future of Road Tripping
Located right at the North Park entrance, the Joshua Tree Charging Outpost is more than just a place to plug in. It’s a full experience designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
The “Adventure Lab” and Amenities
The Outpost includes an indoor “Adventure Lab” where you can hang out, watch TV, and check out extraction gear and roof racks on display. There’s also a store selling local honey, coffee beans, and location-specific Rivian gear (I definitely had to snag a Joshua Tree shirt). Outside, they have rocking chairs on a balcony and a boulder rock climbing wall (supervision required!).
Universal Compatibility
The big story here is the version 1.5 hardware. These chargers are specifically equipped to handle non-Rivian vehicles. I saw an Audi e-tron, a Hyundai IONIQ 5, and a Chevy Bolt all charging alongside R1Ts and R1Ss.
Pricing: It’s 45 cents per kWh for Rivian owners and 60 cents for other EVs.
Hardware Spotlight: Gen 2 Tri-Motor R1T
Rivian had a Gen 2 Tri-Motor R1T on display. You can spot these by the yellow accents and the checkered pattern on the seats. Here’s some technical hardware info for the Gen 2:
- Tonneau Cover: The new powered tonneau cover is functional but notably louder than the Cybertruck’s unit.
- Matrix LED Headlights: The front light bar is now made of individualized LEDs that animate to show your state of charge.
- NACS Transition: These chargers will likely be upgraded to native NACS (Tesla plug) in the next 1-2 years as Rivian transitions their vehicle hardware.
Joshua Tree Road Trip Stats
| Metric | Details |
| Charger Hardware | RAN Version 1.5 (Universal) |
| Max Charge Rate | ~213 kW (Gen 1 R1T) |
| Rivian Rate | $0.45 per kWh |
| Non-Rivian Rate | $0.60 per kWh |
| Battery Temp | Peaked at 120°F during fast charge |
Join the Adventure
The Joshua Tree Outpost is a blueprint for what EV charging should be—a place to rest, recharge, and engage with the community. If you’re planning on picking up a Rivian, remember to use my referral link in the description to get 6 months of free charging!
Watch the full Joshua Tree Outpost tour here
