ChargeScape, the vehicle-grid integration platform owned by a consortium of automakers, has partnered with Rivian to enroll the EV maker’s high-capacity batteries into utility managed-charging programs across North America. The arrangement lets Rivian drivers opt into ChargeScape’s growing network of utility programs, where they can lower charging costs while supplying flexible capacity to the grid. Rivian vehicles already function as a grid resource, but the company says connecting through ChargeScape allows them to serve as more flexible assets that help balance peak demand.
Highlights
- ChargeScape is backed by BMW, Ford, Honda, and Nissan, and is used by Tesla, Stellantis, and other automakers.
- Rivian drivers can opt into ChargeScape’s utility managed-charging programs across North America through an in-app enrollment experience.
- The platform offers V1G managed charging and V2X capabilities across dozens of utility partners, reaching millions of households.
- Utilities are tapping the flexible capacity of nearly 7 million EVs on U.S. roads as data-center demand strains the grid.
How the Partnership Works
Through the partnership, Rivian drivers can opt into ChargeScape’s network of utility programs and manage participation through ChargeScape’s in-app charging and enrollment experience. Once integrated, Rivian EVs can act as flexible energy resources for a utility’s managed-charging program, supporting grid resiliency by offering capacity when the system is constrained.
“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.”
An Industry-Owned Alternative to Independent Aggregators
ChargeScape positions itself as a shared, industry-owned vehicle-grid integration platform, distinct from independent aggregators. It is backed by BMW, Ford, Honda, and Nissan, and used by Tesla, Stellantis, and other automakers. The company says the model prioritizes scalability, interoperability, and direct involvement from the automakers themselves.
According to ChargeScape, the platform offers both V1G managed charging and V2X capabilities across dozens of utility partners, reaching millions of households nationwide.
Why EV Flexibility Matters Now
ChargeScape said utilities across the United States are facing growing strain from data-center demand and are increasingly drawing on the flexible capacity of the nearly 7 million EVs on American roads. Integrating Rivian’s vehicles adds more of that capacity to a platform built by automakers and used by utilities.
“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.”
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