Rivian Cuts Deal for Tesla Charging Network, Adopts Supercharger Connector

While most automakers were working out what their first all-electric model should be, Tesla was building up a proprietary charging network that helped assure that it would be the EV manufacturer other brands would envy. The vehicles themselves certainly became the benchmark for electric vehicles. But it was the network that guaranteed Tesla’s dominant position in the market. Simply having access to the Supercharger stations is one of the biggest perks of owning a Tesla, as they’re relatively common and suffer less downtime than rival networks.

Despite originally being exclusive to Tesla customers, the brand has decided to open its ports up to the whole world. Ford and General Motors have even signed agreements with the company so that their customers can utilize those charging stations in 2024. Now it appears to be Rivian’s turn.

On Tuesday, the brand announced that had likewise struck a deal with Tesla and would be adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS). As with GM and Ford, customers are supposed to be able to utilize Tesla Superchargers early next year. Though Rivian was dropping some pretty unsubtle hints leading up to the news by issuing an over-the-air update that made the stations easier for its customers to find.

From Rivian:

 An adapter will be available to enable Rivian's award-winning R1T and R1S to charge on the Supercharger network as early as spring 2024. Rivian will incorporate North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge ports as standard in future R1 vehicles starting in 2025, as well as in its upcoming R2 platform.

Transportation is responsible for over a quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the urgent need to electrify the sector and preserve our world for future generations. By enabling drivers to charge their vehicles at a greater number of locations, this collaboration and others like it are important to help accelerate EV adoption.

“We’re excited to work with Tesla and to see collaborations like this help advance the world toward carbon neutrality,” Stated Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. “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.”

As things currently stand, Tesla’s Superchargers represent a majority of the fast chargers that exist in North America. They represent about 60 percent of the entire market, giving every rival network a grand total of 40 percent when combined.

While there are far more standard charging points dotted across the country, EV drivers recoup most of their energy at home. Fast charging only becomes essential for electric owners hoping to take an extended road trip or needing to regain a significant amount of range in a short amount of time. Depending on the size of the battery, even Level 2 stations can take most of the day to recharge a vehicle that’s almost out of power.

This is not the case with Tesla’s Superchargers, which the company has said can recoup “up to” 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Gasoline may still be quicker. But improved charging capabilities are narrowing the gap and helping consumers rationalize EV purchases.

[Image: Rivian]

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