Rivian has announced that its owners will soon have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, beginning April, through the distribution of NACS DC adapters. This access will enable Rivian vehicles to utilize over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America, supplementing the existing network of 16,000 fast chargers available to Rivian owners. This initiative aims to reduce range anxiety and enhance the charging experience by providing a broader array of fast, reliable charging options.
To access the Supercharger network, Rivian owners will need a special adapter, which Rivian intends to distribute for free this spring. Furthermore, starting in 2025, Rivian plans to equip its vehicles with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) hardware, aligning with the connector type used by Tesla Superchargers, to ensure seamless integration.
The integration with Tesla’s Supercharger network is part of Rivian’s and Tesla’s strategies to facilitate mass EV adoption by increasing the availability and convenience of charging infrastructure. Rivian’s approach includes in-house management of charging hardware and software, ensuring a smooth transition and compatibility with a wide range of fast chargers, including Tesla’s network. Rivian’s digital platforms, such as its mobile app and in-vehicle infotainment system, will support features like trip planning, charger filtering, and navigation to compatible Superchargers, which will include information on charger speed and availability. Additionally, Rivian vehicles will offer “plug and charge” capability, allowing for automatic billing once the charger is connected to the vehicle.
Rivian is also expanding its own charging infrastructure with the Rivian Adventure Network. The network currently consists of over 424 fast chargers at 70 sites across 22 states, focusing on locations frequently visited by Rivian drivers. The company plans to open the Rivian Adventure Network to all EV drivers later this year and expand its presence in areas with high EV usage, limited charging access, and near key national parks
