Rivian joins forces with Ford and Tesla to support California wildfire relief efforts – Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), Ford Motor (NYSE: F), Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: RIVN)

California-based electric vehicle startup Rivian Cars The company said Tuesday it has deployed vehicles to support relief efforts battling wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

What happened: Rivian said it deployed vehicles to support organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Labelle Foundation, OpenClosit, SolarPunks and others to transport relief supplies and support emergency response.

The company said it is also in contact with first responders to explore how it can further assist.

To help electric vehicle owners evacuate during a fire, the company is offering free DC fast charging for Rivian vehicles at Rivian Adventure Network sites within 150 miles of Los Angeles.

The company also provided the Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach as a place for people evacuated from their homes to rest or recharge.

Why it’s important: California has been battling multiple wildfires over the past few days. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the current incident has burned more than 40,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,300 structures. The department said about 24 people died in the fire.

Other car manufacturers such as Tesla and Ford Also contributed to disaster relief efforts.

Earlier this week, Tesla CEO Musk Customers waiting for Cybertruck deliveries in Los Angeles are being warned that their orders may be delayed as the company uses the trucks to provide power to Starlink network terminals in the Los Angeles area that have lost connectivity. The company has also deployed multiple large chargers to relieve crowding during evacuations, provide power to homes and assist first responders.

Meanwhile, Dearborn-based Ford and its philanthropic arm, Ford Philanthropies, announced two new grants to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the California Communities Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and address emergency relief needs.

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