Tesla Supercharger Network Now Available for Rivian Models
Over the past year, the automotive industry has almost collectively accepted that Tesla’s proprietary NACS charging outlet—and subsequently its expansive Supercharger network—is the best solution to the public charging conundrum. As of today, Rivian drivers now have access to over 15,000 Superchargers across North America, and a free adapter is on the way.
Rivian’s Transition to Tesla-style Port
Along with nearly every other automaker, Rivian announced plans to transition to the Tesla-style port and create an adapter for owners of existing Rivians with the CCS port. The company today said that owners will begin receiving their complimentary NACS adapter next month. The adapter is only compatible with V3 chargers, which run at 250 kilowatts. According to Rivian, Tesla determined that V2 chargers, which are capable of feeding electricity to the car at 150 kW, aren’t compatible with vehicles using these adapters.
Integration with Navigation System
Compatible Superchargers are now visible in Rivian’s navigation system, showing both charger speeds and availability. A “plug and charge” feature has automatic billing, allowing users to simply pull up to the charger and plug it in, with the charge going to the payment method connected to their Rivian application account. This eliminates the need to download a separate app and set up a separate account.
Testing the Charging Experience
Car and Driver tested out the charging experience in a long-term Rivian R1T at a local Supercharger network. The experience was quick and painless, with users able to select the Supercharger on the navigation page on the touchscreen, park, plug in, and relax. One note for Rivian owners: If Superchargers do not appear on the vehicle’s map, deselect “adapter required” in the “Hide” tab.
Future Integration for New Rivian Models
New R1S SUVs and R1T trucks will begin emerging from the factory with the NACS charge port in 2025. Until then, current Rivian owners can easily use the Tesla Supercharger network via free adapters, opening up a plethora of new charging locations.
Rivian’s move to integrate with the Tesla Supercharger network marks a significant shift in the industry towards a standardized charging infrastructure. This development will benefit Rivian owners by providing access to a widespread charging network and making the charging process more seamless and convenient. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships and collaborations like this one between Rivian and Tesla demonstrate a commitment to innovation and sustainability in the electric vehicle sector.