infrastructureScore 35/100Watch
Rivian built proprietary charging network (Adventure Network) with 98-99% uptime, positioning as infrastructure alternative to Tesla
RJ Scaringe· Rivian· Robotics· 2026-07-22· about Rivian, Tesla (TSLA)
“We took the decision about 5 years ago to to contribute to that. So, we're building our own, what we call Rivian Adventure Network. Uh it's one of two networks today in the United States that that has uptime up, you know, over 98, 99%. So, it's our network and Tesla's network. Tesla's network's much bigger, but uh Rivian vehicles can access the Tesla network.”
Why it matters
Rivian built an independent, high-uptime charging network competing directly with Tesla's Supercharger network. This required significant capex investment and represents vertical integration into energy/infrastructure—a capital-intensive but strategically defensible moat.
Investment implication
Rivian's charging network requires ongoing capex for expansion and maintenance, limiting short-term profitability but creating long-term customer lock-in. For charging equipment suppliers and power infrastructure companies, this signals growing capex from OEMs building proprietary charging networks. Tesla's dominance in charging may be eroding with Rivian and other competitors building alternatives.