Rivian Introduces NACS Charging Stations to Adventure Network
Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is set to upgrade its Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) to support the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This expansion will begin with the 2025 model year vehicles, which will come equipped with NACS charging ports.
The RAN aims for wide-scale public charging availability, focusing on 600 Rivian-exclusive Adventure Network sites with 3,500 DC fast chargers. Initially, these chargers will support fast charging speeds of 200 kW, with a goal to reach 300 kW at high-traffic locations by the end of 2023. However, detailed timelines for the rollout of NACS hardware upgrades or expansions at each RAN site beyond vehicle integration are not explicitly stated.
The integration of NACS into Rivian’s network aligns with the broader industry shift. Multiple automakers, including Ford, GM, Nissan, and others, are adopting NACS starting with 2025 model year vehicles for North America, reflecting a major charging standard migration by 2025.
Current Rivian models (R1T and R1S) can use Tesla Superchargers via a free adapter available since March 18, 2024. From 2025, newer Rivian vehicles will have NACS ports built-in, allowing native use of NACS charging infrastructure.
The Joshua Tree Charging Outpost in California was the first RAN site to feature both CCS1 and NACS connectors. After the successful conversion, Rivian plans to bring NACS plugs to its Charging Outpost in the Hamptons, New York, set to open on August 7. Yosemite's popular Outpost will follow the Hamptons Outpost in the summer.
Rivian's app and in-vehicle infotainment system will continue to provide real-time charger status, connector type availability, and notifications about adapter requirements. The dual setup of CCS and NACS chargers is expected to become the new norm across RAN locations, making it easier for Tesla owners and other EVs to use Rivian's fast-charging infrastructure.
It is worth noting that Rivian has yet to build a RAN site in Canada. However, the expansion of RAN network ensures compatibility during the industry-wide transition to the Tesla-developed standard, NACS.
[1] Rivian Press Release, [Link to the Press Release] [2] Tesla Press Release, [Link to the Press Release] [3] SAE International Press Release, [Link to the Press Release]
- With the integration of North American Charging Standard (NACS) into Rivian's Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) starting from the 2025 model year, electric-vehicle (EV) owners can anticipate a seamless charging experience across a wider range of technology, including other major car brands like Ford, GM, Nissan, and Rivian's own electric-vehicles (EVs), such as the R1T and R1S.
- As Rivian upgrades its RAN to support NACS and expands its network to 600 Rivian-exclusive sites with 3,500 DC fast chargers, the shift in charging lifestyle will align with the broader industry migration towards NACS, making electric-vehicle (EV) charging more accessible and convenient for everyone, including those who own Tesla vehicles that can utilize Rivian's charging infrastructure through adapter compatibility.
