Rivian has started upgrading its DC fast-charging stations with Tesla-compatible cables, as the electric vehicle maker prepares to open its charging network to other brands later this year, according to RivianTrackr.
The retrofitting involves adding the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector alongside the existing CCS1 plug at Rivian’s Adventure Network sites. The first NACS-equipped chargers went live last week at Joshua Tree National Park, with additional locations, including Southampton, New York and Yosemite, expected to follow.
The Rivian Adventure Network, launched in 2022, was originally free and limited to R1S and R1T owners. It now operates as a paid service and is being modified to support a broader range of EVs.
The change comes as Rivian adopts the Tesla-designed NACS port for its next-generation R1 models, due in 2026. Earlier versions of the R1 series use CCS1 and require an adapter to charge at Tesla Superchargers. Future R2 and R3 vehicles will also feature the NACS port as standard.
“The transition to NACS-equipped stalls was inevitable for Rivian,” RivianTrackr reported, highlighting the growing industry adoption of Tesla’s connector design.
According to the Rivian app and PlugShare data, the Joshua Tree site currently features 12 stalls — four with NACS and eight with CCS1 — with charging speeds of up to 300 kilowatts. The app also notifies drivers when an adapter may be required.
The Southampton Charging Outpost is scheduled to open on August 7, with further upgrades across Rivian’s national charging infrastructure expected later this year.