RAN question: why the love for Michigan?

[Count Orlok]

I don't get why MI is being built out so much compared to other states where people go adventuring (e.g., New Mexico).

Sponsored

 

[Marchin_MTB]

High per capita concentration of Rivians? Good adventure destinations for those in state?

I do suspect there may be regulatory issues in some places and/or challenges with access to power infrastructure. That may be working against some states and for others.

I do wish they could make some progress in NM and UT. For selfish reason I would like one in the Steamboat area of Colorado.

 

[COdogman]

Don't mess with the Yoopers. ?

 

[bobaurora]

Michigan has more than a thousand miles of fresh water coastline that is largely underserved from a charging perspective. So perhaps this is to cater to midwesterners from IL, IN, OH who vacation in Michigan. Combine that with Rivian's significant corporate presence in Michigan and factory in IL. The charger locations look to me to provide a way to get an EV up to the upper peninsula and back.

 

[wski441]

I would suspect, having one of their corporate offices in the state really helps. Michigan is known as an outdoors state, yet EV adoption is relatively light because of the 'big three' (Ford, GM, Chrysler) dominance. Making inroads against traditional ICE manufacturers on what could be considered 'their turf' seems like good business decisions to me.

 

[Count Orlok]

so it is to own the big 3? SMFH. I guess Rivian execs don't go to the boundary waters or Chaco Canyon.

 

[Autolycus]

so it is to own the big 3? SMFH. I guess Rivian execs don't go to the boundary waters or Chaco Canyon.

I think you read way too much into the situation and wski441's comment. It's an important automotive market. It isn't about "owning" anybody. Also, where you want to go isn't the same as where everybody else wants to go. There is a priority list, and it's not always going to agree with your particular wants. Period.

Michigan, for a large state, has historically had really poor charging infrastructure. Rivian felt the need to fill in some of those gaps in the DCFC networks in an area with a lot of their vehicles.

 

[mikehmb]

It’s all to troll the Canadians.

Also - take a look along the Appalachians. It’s nuts to see how many they’re planning to bolt up along that corridor.

I’m stoked to see that we now have a straight shot up the west coast. I can leave my house and hug the coast up (almost) to Canada and never need to use anything but a RAN.

 

[MrMetlHed]

Could just be selfish reasons for the executives, management, and workers in Illinois. So many people own summer homes in Northern Michigan and I imagine that includes lots of Rivian employees. And since the charging infrastructure is awful there, it's a win-win. And the secretary of transportation lives in Traverse City, too.

 

[Guy]

Also this is the first 50+ locations out of a planned 600. They have to start somewhere and it makes sense to do routes as they are doing rather than one or two per state.

 

[Autolycus]

Also - take a look along the Appalachians. It’s nuts to see how many they’re planning to bolt up along that corridor.

Along one of the most iconic scenic byways in the US, with a TON of hiking and other outdoors opportunities along the whole length. In addition to fitting perfectly within Rivian's brand, the Blue Ridge is an area with woeful DCFC infrastructure.

 

[CharonPDX]

Probably a combination of "Rivian owner base" and "regulatory ease".

 

[Craigins]

I wish they would have built the WI route to the UP first. But I don't think WI is very charger friendly, but it seems like they are planning to open up to charging by kW instead of min, so that should help.

 

[WSea]

I wish they would have built the WI route to the UP first. But I don't think WI is very charger friendly, but it seems like they are planning to open up to charging by kW instead of min, so that should help.

Isn’t by minute much cheaper?

 

[Craigins]

Isn’t by minute much cheaper?

Much cheaper, which is a disincentive for charging companies to prioritize expanding the network.

If they could charge the an amount that makes a profit, they would be more likely to expand into the area.

Sponsored