Overview
Rivian, the electric adventure vehicle maker, is accelerating its presence in Southern California through a strategic partnership with Caruso, a premier real estate developer. This collaboration is adding two new showrooms and deploying over 150 DC fast chargers across some of Los Angeles’ busiest shopping destinations. This guide walks through the key phases of this expansion—from partnership formation to charger installation and launch—offering a blueprint for similar EV infrastructure rollouts. Whether you’re a developer, EV enthusiast, or business strategist, these steps reveal how to turn a retail partnership into a high-power charging network.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the process, make sure the following elements are in place:
- Real estate partner with high-traffic retail properties: Caruso owns and operates open-air shopping centers like The Grove, Americana at Brand, and others, which attract thousands of daily visitors.
- EV charging hardware and software: Rivian uses its own branded DC fast chargers (up to 200 kW) and the Rivian Adventure Network app for payment and availability tracking.
- Permitting and utility coordination: Working with local utility (LADWP or SCE) to ensure sufficient grid capacity and expedited permits for charger installation in commercial zones.
- Showroom space: Two dedicated retail locations within Caruso properties to serve as brand hubs and service points.
- Funding and timeline: Clear budget allocation and phased deployment schedule to avoid disruptions to shopping center operations.
For a deeper look at partnership criteria, see the Caruso Partnership section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Forge a Strategic Retail Partnership
Rivian’s deal with Caruso is the foundation. To replicate it:
- Identify partners with aligned demographics: Caruso’s properties attract affluent, eco-conscious shoppers—prime Rivian customers.
- Negotiate exclusivity or preferred placement: Secure prime parking spots near entrances for high visibility.
- Agree on revenue sharing or lease terms: Typically, the property owner gets a small per-kWh fee or flat monthly lease.
This step turns a shopping trip into a charging opportunity—driving foot traffic to both the charger and the showroom.
2. Site Selection & Design
Rivian places chargers in the busiest retail hubs: The Grove, Americana at Brand, and others. The process involves:
- Traffic analysis: Use parking lot occupancy data to choose spots with high dwell times (2–3 hours).
- Layout planning: Ensure pull-through stalls (for trucks like the R1T) and back-in stalls (for R1S).
- Aesthetics: Integrate chargers with landscape design—Rivian often uses minimalist bollards and green landscaping.
For LA’s climate, covered chargers are optional but suggested to protect against heat and glare.
3. Secure Permits & Utility Upgrades
This is the most time-consuming step. Rivian coordinates with:
- City of Los Angeles Building & Safety: Submit plans for electrical upgrades, trenching, and signage.
- LADWP (local utility): Request transformer upgrades or dedicated feeders. A single 200 kW c
harger may need a 480V, 400A circuit. For 150 chargers, that’s a significant load.
4. Install the Charging Infrastructure
Rivian uses its own DC fast chargers (up to 200 kW) that are compatible with CCS and NACS. Installation steps:
- Cable management: Use retractable cables to reduce trip hazards.
- Network connectivity: Each unit connects via cellular or wired ethernet to the Rivian app.
- Testing & commissioning: Run concurrent charging sessions to verify power delivery and app integration.
Example code snippet for charger communication API (simplified):
{
"charger_id": "RIV-CARUSO-001",
"status": "available",
"max_kw": 200,
"connectors": ["CCS1", "NACS"]
}5. Launch the Showrooms
Two Rivian showrooms at Caruso properties serve as brand immersion spaces. Steps include:
- Retail layout: Display two vehicles (R1T and R1S) and interactive touchscreens.
- Staff training: Product specialists explain charging partnerships and Adventure Network.
- Integration with chargers: Showroom staff can facilitate test drives that end at the charger, showing how to plug in.
These showrooms double as customer service hubs for charging issues.
6. Market & Soft Launch
Rivian promotes the new chargers through in-app notifications and local ads. For best results:
- Grand opening events: Partner with Caruso for food trucks, live music, and exclusive access.
- Incentives: Free charging for the first month—a tactic Rivian has used elsewhere.
This builds momentum and collects charging data to optimize pricing later.
Common Mistakes
Even well-planned expansions hit snags. Here are pitfalls to avoid:
Underestimating Charger Downtime
Without redundant power feeds or battery buffers, a single transformer failure can take out 10+ stalls. Rivian’s solution: Include at least one backup circuit per cluster.
Poor Location Visibility
Chargers tucked behind the mall get low usage. Always place stalls near main walkways or valet drop-offs.
Incompatible Connectors
Rivian uses both CCS and NACS (Tesla-style) connectors, but some older EVs may need an adapter. Ensure at least one universal CCS cable per site.
Ignoring Local Zoning
Some LA city codes require EV chargers to be ADA compliant with accessible parking spaces and path of travel. Fine: up to $5,000 per violation.
Summary
Rivian’s partnership with Caruso is a model for scaling EV infrastructure in high-traffic retail environments. By deploying over 150 DC fast chargers alongside two new showrooms, the company accelerates customer acquisition while solving range anxiety in LA’s sprawling urban landscape. The key takeaways: choose real estate partners wisely, secure permits early, and integrate charging with brand experience. As more automakers follow suit, this blueprint can help turn any shopping center into an EV charging destination.