Rivian R1T and R1S: Access to Tesla Superchargers
Rivian, the American-based EV startup specializing in adventure pickups and SUVs, is the latest automaker to announce that it will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port on its future vehicles starting in 2025. Starting in 2025, the R1S SUV and R1T pickup will therefore be able to charge on Tesla’s well-regarded Supercharger network without an adaptor.
Before that, starting in Spring 2024, Rivian will also offer R1T and R1S customers an adapter that lets them access the Tesla Supercharger network. Using the Tesla app, drivers will be able to sign up for an account, which lets them initiate and terminate charging, and get automatic billing.
Easier Access to EV Public Charging
Rivian’s announcement follows on the heels of major announcements from Ford and General Motors, both of whom will also adopt the NACS standard in future product. Hyundai has also said publicly that it is considering adopting the NACS port for future vehicles. If so, that would mean the highest-volume EV brands in the U.S. will soon be using the Tesla standard.
“We’re excited to work with Tesla and to see collaborations like this help advance the world toward carbon neutrality,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s founder and CEO. “The adoption of the North American Charging Standard will enable our existing and future customers to leverage Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network while we continue to build out our Rivian Adventure Network. We look forward to continuing to find new ways to accelerate EV adoption.”
More Charing Options for EV Drivers
What does this mean for future EV customers? Simply put, it means more choice. While for a while many drivers will have to tote an adaptor around, access to Tesla Superchargers will make life easier for EV owners that are taking long drives and need a quick top-up. Since charging infrastructure continues to be one of the reasons buyers reject electric cars, access to the Tesla network will also provide reassurance for potential electric vehicle customers concerned about charging on the go, making it easier for them to switch from gasoline.
Since transportation is responsible for over 25 percent of American greenhouse gas emissions, Rivian’s announcement should help, in its way, accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by enabling drivers to charge at a greater number of locations.
Even as it opens up access to Tesla’s charging network, Rivian also said it will continue to expand its own Rivian Adventure Network, installing Level 2 and Level 3 chargers at popular destinations for adventure travel.
Rivian R2: The Next Generation
Buried in Rivian’s announcement about its adoption of the NACS standard was news of its new R2 product, which will slot in below the R1S and R1T. Anticipated to have a starting MSRP between $40,000 and $60,000 when it is introduced in 2026, the Rivian R2 models will be accessible to more American drivers, helping to increase Rivian’s sales volume. The current R1 models have a starting MSRP of $73,000.
