Rivian's Exciting New Additions, Ultrafast Chargers Open to the Public, National Park Reservations, and Other News

Here’s what you might have missed this week in outdoors, innovation, and EV news.

Rivian Brings Car Camping to the Next Level with the R2…

The EV community is raving about the recently unveiled R2 SUV, the latest offering from electric off-road pioneer Rivian. It’s a sleek and more affordable option to its larger and pricier previous models. But the R2 also goes big when it comes to off-grid camping features, including a massive battery and a seat configuration that allows every seat to lay flat for more comfortable in-car sleeping. 

Read More (from Road & Track)

…And Adds a Surprising Third Option for Off-Roaders

In addition to the long-awaited R2, Rivian also announced it’s adding two midsize crossovers to its lineup: the R3 and the R3X. The R3X, especially, stole the show during last week’s unveiling and has the internet abuzz. Billed as a rally-inspired performance vehicle, the R3X’s more aggressive wheels, tires, and ground clearance show its potential as the perfect adventure mobile for off-roaders.  

Read More (from CNET)

NY Startup Gravity Opens Ultrafast Chargers to the Public 

Tesla’s Superchargers have long been considered the gold standard in fast EV charging, but now there’s a new player on the field. New York-based Gravity, a startup backed by Google Ventures, has opened the fastest charging solution in the U.S. to the public. The 500-kilowatt chargers can charge at a rate of up to 2,400 miles of range per hour, or 200 miles in five minutes, which is a faster charging speed than any car currently on the market can accept. 

Read More (from Reuters)

You’ll Need a Reservation for These Popular National Parks in 2024

There are 63 national parks across the U.S. and its territories, but some are a lot more popular than others—and the last few years have been the busiest on record for many parks. The overcrowding has led to some national parks installing timed-entry reservation systems, limiting the number of visitors during peak times. Some of the parks that will require reservations in 2024 include Mount Rainier, Arches, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite. 

Read More (from Outside Online)

Bowlus Unveils the Rivet, A Luxury Off-Grid Travel Trailer

Bowlus launched its Volterra—which it called “the world’s first all-electric RV”—in 2022. Now the luxury RV manufacturer has unveiled the Rivet, a more rugged travel trailer. Weighing in at 3,500 pounds, the Rivet can be towed by a Tesla Model Y. It features solar panels as well as a “yacht-quality” battery, allowing for extended off-grid camping. 

Read More (from Electrek)

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