Electric Vehicle Charging at Tallulah Gorge State Park

On Thursday, April 20, 2023, Governor Brian Kemp and officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Georgia Power, and electric vehicle maker Rivian gathered at Tallulah Gorge State Park to celebrate a partnership to install electric vehicle (EV) charging in state parks. Tallulah Gorge is the first of six Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites to receive Rivian Waypoints chargers.  Additional Rivian Waypoints chargers will be installed at Fort Yargo, Cloudland Canyon, High Falls, and Skidaway Island state parks, as well as Wormsloe Historic Site. The chargers will be powered by 100% renewable energy through Rivian’s energy matching program.  “Rivian is a valued partner in electric vehicle innovation and in growing the EV market here in the No. 1 state for business,” said Gov. Kemp. “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.”  The chargers are part of Rivian’s Waypoints Network of Level 2 chargers which can add up to 25 miles of driving range for each hour they are plugged into Rivian’s R1T pickup or R1S SUV. Level 2 chargers like these are ideal for EV-driving park patrons visiting for extended periods of time for scenic hikes or overnight stays. Each charger is equipped with a J1772 plug, making it compatible with all types of electric vehicles. With this feature, this collaborative effort extends Georgia’s electric charging infrastructure grid to new areas for all EV drivers to explore.  Rivian will provide the chargers, their installation, and all network access fees and maintenance for five years at no cost to the state or taxpayers. The installation of these chargers is also made possible through Georgia Power’s Make Ready program, approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission, through which the utility provides funding to construct, own and maintain the infrastructure between the existing electrical grid and new chargers. A nominal fee will be set for users to cover the electricity cost and administrative fees for charging.