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Writer's pictureYosemite Chamber

Rivian Opening Grand!


District 4 Supervisor Kathleen Haff and Rivian local manager Bran Niedens power up the first charger at the Yosemite Charging Outpost

The fence is down, landscaping is in, and Yosemite Chamber business and community members turned out last Friday to welcome the new Rivian Yosemite Charging Outpost. Foregoing the traditional ribbon-cutting, District 4 Supervisor Kathleen Haff plugged in the first Rivian vehicle to charge, declaring the Outpost “live.” Friday’s official Grand Opening was followed by a community event in Mary Laveroni Park on Saturday, featuring live music, vendor booths, and of course, some pretty tricked-out Rivians for the public to crawl around in.


Beginning with outreach way back when the property was first purchased, the Rivian environmental team was determined to create a space that fit in with not only the community’s heritage, but the heritage of the site as well. And while finishing touches were put on this upscale “rest and recharging” stop, the local Rivian team headed by Bran Niedens was reaching out to businesses and nonprofits to forge strong ties with the community. 


The Rivian team recognized the site as a transportation hub dating from Gold Rush days when it began life as a blacksmith shop. The attention to detail in preserving the site’s heritage is impressive, starting with original concrete and rocks that make up the retaining wall, through to wood from Vern’s Groveland Gas Station upcycled into settees, and resin tables created using sawdust from that same reclaimed wood. The Outpost offers a welcoming environment with complimentary coffee, make-your-own snacks for purchase, toys for the kiddies, a lending library, and of course, lots of super-cool Rivian swag. We especially love the soft chocolatey brown t-shirts proclaiming “Keep Groveland Adventurous Forever.”


“If you build it, they will come” and come they will.


Yosemite Charging Outpost may be the first of its kind, but for this community, it represents much more. It will bring a new generation of adventurers who enjoy the luxury of new driving technology, exploring the great outdoors, eating, drinking, and experiencing the best we have to offer. Rivian owners are enthusiastic and well connected with a growing network of fellow drivers who are helping to shape the new norm in adventure travel.


Watch for announcements on Rivian partnerships and events with our local businesses and nonprofit. Welcome to the ‘hood, Rivian.



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