Rivian has announced a new partnership with ChargeScape that will allow its electric vehicle owners to reduce home charging costs while helping utilities better manage electricity demand across North America.
The collaboration connects Rivian’s growing lineup of EVs—including the R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and future R2 crossover—to ChargeScape’s vehicle-grid integration platform, enabling customers to participate in utility-managed charging programs through a seamless in-app experience.
By enrolling in participating utility programs, Rivian drivers can automatically charge their vehicles during off-peak periods when electricity rates are typically lower. This not only helps customers save money on energy costs but also reduces strain on the grid during periods of peak demand.
Rivian says its software-defined vehicles are uniquely positioned to support a more flexible and resilient energy ecosystem. The company’s EVs feature some of the largest battery packs on the road today, making them valuable assets for utilities looking to balance electricity demand as EV adoption continues to grow.
“Through this collaboration with ChargeScape and other partners, Rivian’s software-enabled vehicles are a perfect, nimble partner to help balance the energy grid and enable drivers to get more value out of their vehicle,” said Andrew Peterman, Director of Advanced Energy Solutions at Rivian. “These solutions demonstrate how electric vehicles can help reduce electricity costs and support a more resilient energy grid for everyone, whether you own an EV or not.”
Beyond lowering charging costs, managed charging can also help maximize the use of renewable energy by scheduling charging sessions when solar and wind generation are abundant. According to Rivian, all existing R1T and R1S models, including first-generation vehicles, are compatible with managed charging programs without requiring changes to vehicle settings or additional software updates.
Looking ahead, Rivian plans to expand its grid-integration capabilities even further. The upcoming R2 is expected to support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality through a future over-the-air software update, allowing owners to send electricity stored in their vehicle batteries back to the grid. This capability could create additional savings opportunities by enabling drivers to charge when electricity is inexpensive and export power when rates are higher.
ChargeScape, a joint venture backed by BMW, Ford, Honda, and Nissan, has emerged as one of the leading automotive-focused energy management platforms in North America. The platform is also utilized by automakers including Tesla and Stellantis and works with major utility providers such as PG&E, TXU Energy, Xcel Energy, Con Edison, and DTE Energy.
Unlike traditional charging aggregators, ChargeScape operates as a shared, industry-owned infrastructure platform designed to simplify grid-connected EV services while improving interoperability between automakers and utilities.
“This is a significant step forward in aligning automakers around a common platform and charging standard,” said Joseph Vellone, CEO of ChargeScape. “Rivian’s partnership with ChargeScape will bring some of the largest batteries on the road onto an industry-owned, shared infrastructure. At a time of persistent inflation and high gas prices, we’re unlocking meaningful financial savings for EV drivers across America.”
As utilities face growing electricity demand from data centers, electrification, and population growth, flexible EV charging programs are becoming increasingly important. With nearly seven million EVs already on U.S. roads, partnerships like the one between Rivian and ChargeScape highlight the expanding role electric vehicles can play in supporting grid stability while delivering tangible benefits to drivers.
ChargeScape reports that 89% of charging sessions managed through its platform already occur during off-peak hours, underscoring the potential for smart charging programs to lower costs and improve overall grid efficiency.
