Rivian Transforms Historic Gas Station Into First Yosemite Charging Outpost

Rivian has transformed a historic gas station into a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) charging hub. The Rivian Yosemite Charging Outpost, located in Groveland, California, marks the company’s first-of-its-kind charging site.

Designed to serve as both a practical charging station and a restful pit stop for EV owners, it is situated 24 miles from Yosemite National Park’s west entrance. Initially a blacksmith shop in the 1870s, it later turned into an auto repair shop and then a gas station known as Vern’s Groveland Gas. As of now, Rivian has restored the abandoned structure, preserving its historical significance while repurposing it for electrification.

Liz Guerrero, Senior Director of Environments at Rivian, expressed the company’s devotion to sustainability and community integration stating, “We’re always asking how we can give back or become stewards of things that existed before us. We’re so excited to join the existing fabric of the Groveland community.”

The Charging Outpost provides five DC fast chargers and is open to the public with 24-hour access for Rivian EV owners. Inside, visitors will see a lounge area furnished with sustainable materials including furniture made from upcycled sleeping bags and puffer coats. The facility also features a library, complimentary coffee, a water bottle refill station, and more according to Rivian.

Furthermore, the site utilizes native plants to encourage pollinators, repurposes old materials in its construction, and operates as a Net Zero Energy Building in collaboration with US Solar. Notably, there are educational games on-site to teach visitors about material lifecycles and decomposition, furthering Rivian’s mission to promote environmental awareness.

Paul Frey, VP of Propulsion, Charging, and Adventure Products at Rivian, stated, “Rivian is investing in expanding access to charging to lead the EV industry towards better EV ownership experiences. Our new Yosemite Charging Outpost is the latest and most exciting example showing how we’re expanding our Rivian Adventure Network to serve areas most likely to be on your road trip bucket lists.”

Notably, the Rivian Yosemite Charging Outpost is part of the company’s strategy to enhance EV infrastructure around popular destinations across the United States (U.S.). It should also be noted that Rivian also opened a charging site near Yosemite’s eastern entrance in Lee Vining and installed 58 Waypoints chargers across 11 sites within Yosemite Valley.

Currently, Rivian’s strategic partnership with Volkswagen valued at up to $5 billion was forged to blend Rivian’s software expertise with Volkswagen’s manufacturing prowess to develop next-generation EVs. With this partnership, Rivian’s plans for the EV industry will certainly see an impact as the company is making massive strides.

Read More: Volkswagen and Rivian Forge $5 Billion Strategic Partnership For Next-Gen EV Development

As Rivian aims to open more Charging Outposts near national parks and high-traffic areas across the nation, the company invites all travelers to visit these sites to support local communities and improve the overall charging experience for EV owners.

If you are looking for Rivian models, we can help you get started. Click Here to find the best deals near you. Want to learn more about EV? Thinking of buying an EV? Head over to EV.com and discover more.