Rivian is deepening its footprint in Southern California through an expanded partnership with Caruso, adding new retail spaces and a large-scale charging rollout across high-traffic shopping destinations.
The move builds on Rivian’s existing locations at The Grove and The Americana at Brand, and reflects a broader strategy: integrate EV infrastructure and brand presence into everyday consumer environments.
Charging Where Drivers Already Spend Time
As part of the agreement, Rivian plans to install more than 150 DC fast chargers across Caruso’s Southern California properties over the next year. The chargers will be part of Rivian’s Adventure Network, open to all EVs, and powered by renewable energy.
Rather than focusing solely on highway corridors, Rivian is placing chargers in retail and lifestyle destinations—locations where drivers naturally spend time.
This approach aligns with a growing trend in EV infrastructure, where convenience and accessibility are becoming as important as raw charging speed.
Expanding Retail Beyond Traditional Dealerships
In addition to charging, Rivian is opening two new showrooms in 2026. One will be located at The Commons at Calabasas, while another will expand its presence at The Americana at Brand.
These spaces are designed less like traditional dealerships and more like interactive galleries. The focus is on showcasing the brand, hosting events, and engaging customers rather than immediate sales transactions.
It’s a retail model increasingly adopted by EV makers, emphasizing experience over inventory.
Events and Customer Engagement
The partnership also includes year-round ride-and-drive events across multiple Caruso locations, including Los Angeles, Glendale, Marina del Rey, and Thousand Oaks.
For existing customers, Rivian is continuing perks tied to the Caruso ecosystem. Owners enrolled in Caruso Signature will retain benefits such as complimentary annual parking at participating properties.
Rivian will also extend its sponsorship of the annual Christmas tree lighting event at The Grove, a long-running seasonal attraction.
A Broader Strategy Taking Shape
Rivian’s expansion highlights a shift in how automakers approach both charging and retail. Instead of separating infrastructure from daily life, the company is embedding both into high-traffic, familiar locations.
This contrasts with traditional dealership models and complements highway-focused charging networks built by companies like Tesla.
Why It Matters
As EV adoption grows, access to convenient charging remains a key factor for buyers. Placing chargers at retail destinations can reduce friction, especially for drivers without home charging.
At the same time, combining charging with brand spaces allows automakers to engage customers during downtime—turning a routine stop into a broader experience.
Takeaway
Rivian’s expanded partnership with Caruso reflects a dual strategy: building charging infrastructure while strengthening brand presence in everyday locations. By combining the two, the company is positioning itself to meet both practical and experiential aspects of EV ownership.
