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Rivian just unlocked a new way for drivers to get paid to charge

Rivian is partnering with EnergyHub to make it easier for its drivers across North America to join utility‑run EV charging programs that reward customers for charging at grid‑friendly times.

The partnership connects Rivian vehicles to EnergyHub’s platform, which utilities use to manage electricity demand. That means Rivian owners may get access to programs that offer bill credits or other incentives for charging during off‑peak hours or times when renewable energy is plentiful.

As more people switch to EVs, utilities are increasingly turning to managed charging to keep local grids stable. These programs can automatically adjust charging when grid conditions change, helping balance demand without affecting daily driving needs.

Rivian says the integration will support both passive and active managed charging programs. Passive programs typically reward drivers for charging during recommended times, while active programs allow utilities to directly coordinate charging sessions within driver‑set limits.

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EnergyHub’s software coordinates EV charging with available grid capacity across local distribution systems. The company says this helps prevent strain on infrastructure while still ensuring drivers get the energy they need. The EV capability is part of EnergyHub’s broader virtual power plant platform, which also links devices such as smart thermostats and home batteries so they can respond to grid needs together.

Rivian says adding managed charging options directly into its software ecosystem should make participation simple for drivers, while also helping utilities handle growing electricity demand as EV adoption rises.

EnergyHub, a subsidiary of Alarm.com (NASDAQ: ALRM), works with utilities to connect distributed energy devices to the grid.

Electrek’s Take

This type of partnership is exactly where the EV charging conversation is heading. The next phase isn’t just building more chargers – it’s making charging smarter. Managed charging and virtual power plants are becoming key tools for utilities to absorb rapid EV growth without huge infrastructure upgrades.

Automakers that integrate directly with grid programs early could give their drivers a real financial edge, since many utilities already pay customers to shift charging times. If done right, this kind of software‑driven coordination could become one of the biggest benefits of owning an EV.

Read more: National Grid taps AI to combat rising wildfire risk in the Northeast


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Avatar for Michelle Lewis Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis is a writer and editor on Electrek and an editor on DroneDJ, 9to5Mac, and 9to5Google. She lives in White River Junction, Vermont. She has previously worked for Fast Company, the Guardian, News Deeply, Time, and others. Message Michelle on Twitter or at michelle@9to5mac.com. Check out her personal blog.