California-based EV startup Rivian Automotive said on Tuesday that the company has deployed vehicles to support relief activities in the Los Angeles area battling wildfires.
What Happened: Rivian said that it deployed vehicles to support the World Central Kitchen, the Labelle Foundation, OpenClosit, SolarPunks, and more to transport relief supplies and support emergency response.
The company is also engaging with first responders on how it can assist further, the company said.
To help its EV owners evacuate amid the fires, the company made no-cost DC fast charging available to Rivian vehicles at its own Rivian Adventure Network sites within 150 miles of Los Angeles.
The company also offered its Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach as a place to rest or charge devices for people evacuating their homes.
Why It Matters: California has been battling multiple wildfires over the last few days. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the current incidents have burned over 40,000 acres with over 12,300 structures destroyed. About 24 people died in the fires, the department said.
Other carmakers like Tesla and Ford also contributed to relief efforts.
Earlier this week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned customers awaiting their Cybertruck deliveries in Los Angeles that their orders might be delayed as the company used the trucks to provide power to Starlink internet terminals in areas of LA that lost connectivity. The company also deployed multiple megapack chargers to relieve congestion during evacuations, provide power to houses, and aid first responder efforts, it said.
Dearborn-based Ford and its philanthropic arm called Ford Philanthropy, meanwhile, announced two new grants to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund and cater to urgent relief needs.
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