Rivian and ChargeScape partnered to connect Rivian EV batteries with utility managed-charging programs across North America.

Key Highlights

  • Rivian EV drivers will be able to opt into ChargeScape utility charging programs.
  • ChargeScape is backed by BMW, Ford, Honda and Nissan.
  • Nearly 7 million EVs are currently on American roads, according to the announcement.
  • ChargeScape supports V1G managed charging and V2X capabilities across dozens of utilities.

Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) and ChargeScape announced a partnership on Tuesday to connect Rivian electric vehicle batteries with utility managed-charging programs across North America.

The companies said the agreement will allow Rivian drivers to opt into ChargeScape’s utility network. The platform is designed to help EV owners reduce charging costs while giving power utilities access to flexible battery capacity during periods of grid demand.

ChargeScape operates as a vehicle-grid integration platform owned by a group of automakers. Its backers include BMW, Ford, Honda and Nissan, while the platform is also used by other major automakers.

The partnership will integrate Rivian’s high-capacity EV batteries into ChargeScape’s managed-charging system. Once connected, Rivian vehicles can be used as flexible energy resources in utility programs.

Managed charging allows utilities to shift vehicle charging away from high-demand periods. The companies said this can support grid reliability while keeping the driver enrollment and charging process within a customer-friendly app experience.

The announcement comes as utilities face rising electricity demand, including from data centers. ChargeScape said nearly 7 million EVs are on American roads, creating a growing pool of distributed battery capacity that can be coordinated with utility needs.

The platform supports V1G managed charging and V2X capabilities. V1G generally refers to adjusting charging times, while V2X allows vehicles to interact more broadly with homes, buildings or the power grid, depending on available hardware and program design.

Rivian said its software-enabled vehicles can help balance the energy grid and allow drivers to capture more value from their vehicles. ChargeScape said the partnership will bring some of the largest EV batteries on the road into an automaker-backed infrastructure platform.

The companies did not disclose financial terms of the agreement. The announcement also did not provide a launch date for specific utility programs involving Rivian vehicles.

ChargeScape said its platform connects automakers with power utilities and reaches millions of households through charging programs. Rivian said its vehicles are manufactured in the United States and sold directly to consumer and commercial customers.