What about RAN at REI’s?

[RichardsR1S]

I know that Rivian is trying to put their RAN in areas of travel adventure, but partnering with REI seems like a natural fit. What do you think?

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[TexasCrane]

I don’t think REI owns their retail real estate.

 

[jjswan33]

I know of at least two RAN stations that are right near REIs (Sacramento and Happy Valley). Neither one are great RAN locations IMO as both have adequate charging nearby from other providers. Use of these stations will likely drop significantly as soon as there is a cost involved.

As a general point most REIs are in larger cities, really not where Rivian should focus on adding charging infrastructure in my opinion.

 

[SeaGeo]

They have a RAN station at an REI in Sacramento I believe.

It would be a neat partnership, also may not be the most convenient from a location standpoint for travel.

 

[FooF]

I know of at least two RAN stations that are right near REIs (Sacramento and Happy Valley). Neither one are great RAN locations IMO as both have adequate charging nearby from other providers. Use of these stations will likely drop significantly as soon as there is a cost involved.

As a general point most REIs are in larger cities, really not where Rivian should focus on adding charging infrastructure in my opinion.

That is assuming that the other charging providers chargers are actually functional. I have been to plenty of locations with lots of non RAN chargers and had a really hard time finding ones that were working, not full with a line and providing rated power.

 

[foxerson]

I regularly stop at the REI Sacramento RAN on trips between San Francisco and Tahoe. Makes for a good halfway stopping point, especially to top-off before heading up the mountain. And it has been a profitable partnership for REI as I did buy a new bike for my daughter once.

The biggest drawback is the limited nearby food options. A quick meal is a great way to spend the downtime while charging. There is a Starbucks but it is often closed or drive-through only due to staffing shortages. Beyond that, the options are Subway, Donuts, Indian, or the Costco food court.

I guess I need to embrace the Rivian adventure mindset and get an induction hotplate to whip up a quick meal on the tailgate while charging.

 

[FooF]

Lack of food options is an opportunity. You can sell grilled cheese or bacon dogs to the hungry rei shoppers and fellow Rivian owners. Just don’t forget to offer veggie/vegan options. I will gladly purchase as many chili cheese bacon dogs that you can cook up during your charging session.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

It would be nice... However, most REI's are located in very busy malls. You will not like the charging experience. Especially after Rivian open RAN to non-Rivians.

I don’t think REI owns their retail real estate.

Rivian doesn't need to work with REI. They just need to work with the property owners, as they do now.

 

[mikehmb]

I know of at least two RAN stations that are right near REIs (Sacramento and Happy Valley). Neither one are great RAN locations IMO as both have adequate charging nearby from other providers. Use of these stations will likely drop significantly as soon as there is a cost involved.

As a general point most REIs are in larger cities, really not where Rivian should focus on adding charging infrastructure in my opinion.

I’m convinced the REI placement near downtown Sac was almost purely a marketing ploy.

That said, I’m glad it’s there, because the bathrooms are clean and it’s always fun to pop in for a quick break on our way to Tahoe. That usually means a quick stop to grab a pizza at Costco while we’re there.

But - if it wasn’t for owning a Rivian, I wouldn’t choose that route for my normal jaunt into the Sierras, because I’m usually taking 88. Rivian - please put another RAN in Stockton. Pretty please.

 

[jeeden]

Yea, I think that most REIs are not really jumping off points for actual trips except for select ones. The Anchorage and Salt Lake City locations might as well be base camps for people about to go do tons of outdoor adventures, but many others are not.

I think Rivian would be better suited with locations people are going to like they have been doing with National Parks, but from the private side.

If I was Rivian Marketing and Charging I would be doing everything I could to get a deal with Vail resorts and put a bunch of chargers at every Vail ski resort in North America. When they start charging money for the sessions, offer a discount with the Epic Pass. The already have so much electricity infrastructure at those locations for lifts and resorts that I think it would be a "normal" installation. If you couldn't do the resorts themselves, I would go for the towns that serve them like Park City, etc.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

This would be a great partnership, imo. ?

 

[mkg3]

I rather much see RAN DCFC at all the major national parks and major resort communities.

All REI stores are in populated areas that already have many charging options.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Only if I get a discount at REI ?

 

[jjswan33]

That said, I’m glad it’s there, because the bathrooms are clean and it’s always fun to pop in for a quick break on our way to Tahoe. That usually means a quick stop to grab a pizza at Costco while we’re there.

Clean bathrooms are great, even better when the are open more than 10 hours a day. Really prefer not to have to use the bathroom like an Amazon delivery driver ?‍

 

[Dark-Fx]

Clean bathrooms are great, even better when the are open more than 10 hours a day. Really prefer not to have to use the bathroom like an Amazon delivery driver ?‍

You don't have a full bath in that thing?

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