Electric vehicle charging in Georgia got a boost Thursday as the governor announced a new partnership with electric automaker Rivian. The company is partnering with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Georgia Power to install charging stations at some state parks and historic sites.
During a ceremony at Tallulah Gorge State Park in Rabun County, Governor Brian Kemp unveiled a new Rivian Waypoints charger. Tallulah Gorge is the first of six state parks and historic sites to receive the chargers. Others include Fort Yargo in Barrow County, Cloudland Canyon in Dade County, High Falls in Monroe County, and Skidaway Island and Wormsloe Historic Site near Savannah.
The charging stations will be powered by 100% renewable energy through Rivian’s energy matching program.
Kemp touts partnership
In announcing the partnership, Gov. Kemp called Rivian a valued partner in electric vehicle innovation and the state’s growing EV market.
“Today’s unveiling represents our continued cooperation in creating new opportunities for tourism and commerce in the Peach State. I congratulate Rivian on this milestone and look forward to the future we will build together for the people of Georgia,” he said.
DNR Commissioner Mark Williams said they strategically placed the charging stations at state parks that are accessible to smaller cities and towns.
“We are excited to partner with Rivian and Georgia Power to help our visitors and Georgia travelers reduce emissions and protect our great state’s natural beauty for generations to come,” said Williams.
The chargers are part of Rivian’s Waypoints Network of Level 2 chargers. They can add up to 25 miles of driving range for each hour they are used and are compatible with all types of electric vehicles.
Rivian’s Senior Director of Energy and Charging Solutions Trent Warnke said that every kilowatt-hour the company’s chargers deliver is matched with renewable resources like solar and wind.
“These chargers represent opportunity: The opportunity to explore responsibly, to consider zero-emission transport, and to implement a more sustainable way of going about the world,” he said.
No cost for 5 years
According to DNR, Rivian will provide and install the chargers and cover all network access fees and maintenance for five years at no cost to the state or taxpayers. It’s unclear what, if any, charges will apply after that.
Georgia Power will support the project through its Make Ready program. The utility company will pay to construct, own, and maintain the infrastructure between the existing electrical grid and new chargers.
Rivian’s chief legal officer Michael Callahan said the partnership represents his company’s commitment to “zero-emission outdoor adventure” and a deepening of his company’s partnership with Georgia.
“Rivian will bring jobs, technology and investment to Georgia — as well as some fun.”
Good PR amid bad press
In December 2021, Rivian announced plans to build a $5 billion electric vehicle manufacturing plant on 2,000 acres east of Atlanta. State officials hailed it as an economic boon for the expected 7,500 jobs it would produce. Then- Georgia House Speaker David Ralston called it a “game changer” for giving Georgia a foothold in the growing EV market. Kemp strongly promoted the development, but it quickly came under fire.
Residents of Morgan and Newton counties objected to plans to build the massive auto plant in their rural counties. Others criticized state and local officials for giving Rivian $1.5 billion in tax credits and state incentives to lure the automaker to Georgia.
The Center for Economic Accountability, a private think tank that opposes corporate welfare, named it the “Worst Economic Development Deal of 2022.”
“They made a massive, speculative investment of taxpayer money in an early-stage company in a highly competitive and government policy-dependent industry without doing basic due diligence,” said CEA President John C. Mozena.
Site development for the facility began in 2022, with production expected to begin in 2026.
Looking ahead
Despite the skeptics, Georgia lawmakers, including its two Democratic congressmen, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, have praised Rivian for its investment. State lawmakers designated March 1, 2023, as Rivian Day in Georgia. They marked the occasion with a full day of events at the state capitol.
Georgia Power Chairman, President, and CEO Kim Greene attended Thursday’s ceremony at Tallulah Gorge State Park. She said the state’s largest utility is committed to supporting Georgia’s growing electric vehicle market.
“[We] are proud to partner with the Georgia DNR and Rivian on this exciting effort to make public charging readily available at important destination locations across the state.”
