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Charging the Rivian R1T off-grid with Power Innovations

Power Innovations' mobile charging station kept me going in the desert.

Emme Hall
I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.
Emme Hall
Rivian R1T
1 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

This is the Power Innovations' MEC, or Mobile Energy Command.

Rivian R1T
2 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

The MEC is a mobile charging station that powered my Rivian R1T tester through the deserts of California and Nevada.

Rivian R1T
3 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

The MEC contains six lead-acid batteries, good for 250 kilowatt-hours of power.

Rivian R1T
4 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

It can charge at a rate of 175 kW. That's pretty darn speedy.

Rivian R1T
5 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

I simply drove up the ramp, plugged in and 30 minutes or so later, the R1T was charged to about 80% and I was ready for more fun.

Rivian R1T
6 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

Although the MEC can charge at 175 kW, the fastest I saw the R1T accept charge was at 130 kW.

Rivian R1T
7 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

Still, that's nearly three times as fast as a "fast charger" at many public charging stations.

Rivian R1T
8 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

In the future, Power Innovations hopes to bring the MEC out to other far-flung locations to provide power for intrepid EV owners.

Rivian R1T
9 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

That's good, because a lot more electric trucks are on the way.

Rivian R1T
10 of 12 Currie Media House/Rebelle Rally

Keep scrolling for more photos of the Power Innovations-charged Rivian R1T.

Rivian R1T
11 of 12 Regine Trias/Rebelle Rally
Rivian R1T
12 of 12 Richard Giordano/Rebelle Rally

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