Rivian IPO: 5 things to know about the Amazon-backed electric-vehicle maker

If some of its strategies seem similar to Tesla’s, Rivian appears to be taking a page from Chinese EV maker Nio Inc. NIO, 2.19% when it comes to its stores.

Nio calls its showrooms and the like “Nio Houses,” and they are not just places to buy the company’s EVs. Instead, Nio says its club-style spaces are meant to bring potential and current customers together to socialize, work, and play. Nio’s first House outside of China opened last week in Norway.

Rivian wants to offer four “experience spaces” for its future and current owners.

Its “Hubs” will be permanent stores in big cities “meant to bring an appreciation of the outdoors to urban centers,” the company said. “Seasonal Spaces” will be temporary stores in “targeted locations.”

“Outposts” will be located near tourist spots and aim to offer gear and vehicle rentals as well as a space to showcase the cars, the company said.

“Preserves” will be located farther out “in nature” on land the company plans “to conserve and save, while also providing the Rivian community an opportunity to enjoy them,” the company said.

To power those plans, the company plans to establish its own network of charging stations as well as offer charging spots in hotels and other locations. It also plans to offer fleet charging for its commercial customers, which would come with software and other tools for fleet management.