Rivian, the EV startup known for its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, announced via X on Thursday that owners of these vehicles will be able to access Tesla Superchargers starting in March. This move is part of Rivian’s plan to adopt Tesla’s charging port design, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS).
While Rivian’s current vehicles, like most non-Tesla EVs, come equipped with a CCS port, owners will need to use an adapter to plug into Superchargers. Rivian stated that Supercharger locations will appear in their vehicles’ navigation systems and in the Rivian mobile app in March, with adapter shipments to owners starting soon after.
See also: Tesla to Open 15,000 Superchargers to Four New Automakers in Spring 2024
Supercharger access is coming to Rivian – that’s 15,000 more fast chargers for Rivian owners across North America. In March we’ll be adding Supercharger sites to our vehicle and app trip planner with adapter shipments to owners starting soon after. Start planning your road trips!
— Rivian (@Rivian) February 29, 2024
Rivian has confirmed that the adapters will be provided free of charge, but it emphasizes the use of Rivian-approved adapters only. Starting in 2025, Rivians will come with the NACS port from the factory, eliminating the need for adapters.
This agreement with Tesla will give Rivian owners access to an additional 15,000 charging plugs in North America. Tesla’s charging network is widely praised for its reliability and coverage, but it has traditionally been exclusive to Tesla owners. However, as automakers like Rivian strike deals to incorporate Tesla’s NACS port in their future vehicles, more non-Tesla owners are gaining access to Superchargers.
Ford recently became the first non-Tesla brand to gain entry to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Superchargers opened up to Ford vehicles on Thursday as the automaker began accepting orders for adapters, which it is offering for free through July.
Access to Tesla Superchargers should address concerns over charging infrastructure and speed, which have been significant barriers to widespread EV adoption. This development is particularly beneficial to Rivian, which is in need of increased sales to sustain its operations. Despite not expecting vehicle output growth this year compared to 2023, Rivian aims to boost its appeal to buyers with Supercharger access and the upcoming release of the Rivian R2, set to be revealed on March 7.
Tesla has also announced that several other automakers, including General Motors, Volvo, and Polestar, will gain access to Superchargers this spring, with most other automakers planning to have Supercharger adapters ready by 2025.
