Rivian Updates Referral Program: Free Charging Perk Removed

MARCH 11th, 2025

Rivian Updates Referral Program: Free Charging Perk Removed

Rivian has once again made changes to its Rivian Rewards referral program, this time removing one of the most attractive perks—free unlimited charging on the Rivian Adventure Network. As of March 11, 2025, new buyers and referrers will no longer receive six months of complimentary charging, a benefit that had been in place since the program’s inception.

A Look at the Changes

When Rivian first launched its referral program several months ago, it was an enticing deal for both buyers and referrers. The original offer included:

• $750 in Rivian reward points (for both the referrer and the buyer).
• 6 months of free unlimited charging on the Rivian Adventure Network.

A couple of months later, Rivian revised the program, reducing the reward points from $750 to $500 while keeping the six months of charging.

Now, as of March 11, 2025, another change has taken effect:

• The six months of free unlimited charging has been removed.
• The $500 in reward points remains for both the referrer and the buyer.

Why the Change?

Rivian has not publicly stated the reason behind this shift, but there are several possible factors:

• Cost management: Offering unlimited charging at a time when Rivian is scaling production could be costly.
• Encouraging home charging: Rivian may be prioritizing at-home and public charging solutions over free access to its Adventure Network.
• Network availability: With more Rivian vehicles on the road, reducing demand on the Rivian Adventure Network could help maintain charger availability for all owners.

What This Means for Rivian Owners

If you were planning to take advantage of the referral program for its charging perks, unfortunately, that incentive is now gone. However, the $500 in reward points can still be used in the Rivian Gear Shop, allowing owners to purchase accessories, apparel, and more.

For those who frequently road-trip and relied on the Adventure Network as a key charging solution, this change may make other fast-charging options (such as Electrify America or Tesla’s NACS network) more important.

Final Thoughts

Rivian’s referral program remains a great way for owners to share their love for the brand, but the removal of free charging does shift its value. Whether this change is permanent or just another phase in Rivian’s evolving strategy remains to be seen.

Source: RIvian Rewards Program Terms