Rivian and Clearloop will unveil a new electric vehicle (EV) charging site, Waypoints, in Paris, Tennessee. The event follows the previously announced partnership between the two companies to support the development of one megawatt (MW) of the Paris Solar Farm project, which is developed, owned, and operated by Clearloop’s parent company, Silicon Ranch. The Waypoints chargers will be powered by 100% carbon-free renewable energy.
The companies share a common approach of utilizing emissionality to determine where new solar generation can displace the most carbon, in order to expand access to clean energy in the communities that can benefit the most. Currently, solar power makes up less than 1% of Tennessee’s total electricity mix, while in California, it accounts for 16% of the electricity mix. As a result, a megawatt-hour of electricity in Tennessee emits around 32% more carbon than a megawatt-hour in Northern California, according to WattTime.
Rivian’s Waypoints will allow any electric vehicle to charge with renewable energy at Eiffel Tower Park thanks to its industry-standard J1772 plug. Waypoints chargers are currently located in eleven state parks across Tennessee. As of December 2022, Rivian’s 1MW portion of the Paris Solar Farm-Puryear is expected to annually generate more renewable energy than is needed for all of these sites combined.
As a signatory of the Emissions First Partnership, Rivian is committed to maximizing carbon reductions and ensuring that renewable sourcing has the greatest potential to expand access to clean energy in the communities and regions that can benefit the most. Clearloop uses emissionality to determine where new solar generation can displace the most carbon, shifting the way corporate investments avoid and reduce carbon to achieve emissions reductions faster and more effectively. The company also assesses social and economic factors to determine which communities stand to benefit most from the economic boost that renewable energy and the accompanying infrastructure bring.
Students and educators from Henry County High School attended the event and had the opportunity to learn more about solar and EV technologies and careers in the renewable energy and automotive industries.
