Hello there, Rivian adventurer! Are you ready to unlock the power of Tesla's vast Supercharger network for your amazing electric truck or SUV? With a few simple steps and the right adapter, you'll be zipping to your next destination with ease. Let's get you charged up!
Step 1: Acquiring Your Essential Tool: The NACS DC Adapter
To charge your Rivian at a Tesla Supercharger, the absolute first thing you'll need is a NACS (North American Charging Standard) DC adapter. Think of this as the universal translator between your Rivian's CCS port and the Tesla Supercharger's NACS plug.
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| How To Charge Rivian At Tesla Supercharger |
Where to Get Your Adapter:
Rivian's Gear Shop: Rivian offers its own Rivian-approved NACS DC Adapter designed specifically for your R1T or R1S. This is generally the most recommended option for compatibility and support.
Included with Newer Rivians: If you're purchasing a 2025 or newer Rivian R1T or R1S, you might find that it comes standard with the NACS adapter. Even better, Rivian plans to integrate native NACS ports directly into its vehicles starting in 2025, which means you won't need an adapter for those models!
Third-Party Adapters: While Rivian-approved adapters are best, there are also third-party options available, like the Lectron Vortex Plug. If you opt for a third-party adapter, ensure it's reputable and clearly states compatibility with Rivian vehicles and DC fast charging.
Service Centers: You may also be able to pick up an adapter from select Rivian Service Centers.
Important Note: Ensure you get a DC adapter, not an AC adapter. Tesla Superchargers are DC fast chargers, and an AC adapter won't work for this purpose.
Step 2: Preparing for Your Charging Session: App Setup and Payment
Once you have your adapter in hand, it's time to set up your charging experience. Tesla Superchargers, especially for non-Tesla EVs, often rely on the Tesla app for initiation and payment.
Sub-Step 2.1: Download and Set Up the Tesla App
Download the App: Get the Tesla app (version 4.30.5 or higher) from your mobile device's app store (iOS or Android).
Create a Tesla Account: If you don't have one, create a Tesla Account within the app.
Add Vehicle Details: Select 'Charge Your EV' and then tap the 'Add Your Vehicle Details' banner to input your Rivian's information.
Add Payment Method: Crucially, add a valid payment method to your Tesla app. This is how you'll pay for your charging sessions. You can have multiple payment methods, but you'll need to designate one as your Supercharging payment method.
Sub-Step 2.2: Understanding Payment Options
Plug and Charge (Rivian App): For many Rivian owners, if you have a valid payment method set up in your Rivian app, the "Plug and Charge" feature might work directly. This means the charging session could initiate automatically once plugged in, without needing to open the Tesla app.
Tesla App Initiation: To ensure the smoothest experience, or if you want to take advantage of potential Tesla Supercharging Membership discounts, it's often recommended to initiate the charging session through the Tesla app before connecting the adapter and cable to your Rivian.
Tesla Membership: Consider joining the Tesla Supercharging Membership within the app. This can offer reduced rates similar to what Tesla owners pay. If you have a membership and don't initiate the charge via the app, you'll likely default to the higher non-member rate.
Payment Holds: Be aware that a temporary authorization hold might be placed on your payment method when a session starts.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Step 3: Locating a Compatible Supercharger
Not all Tesla Superchargers are open to non-Tesla EVs yet, though the network is rapidly expanding its compatibility.
Sub-Step 3.1: Using Your Rivian's Navigation or App
In-Vehicle Display & Rivian App: Your Rivian's in-vehicle touchscreen and the Rivian mobile app can help you find compatible charging sites, including Tesla Supercharger locations. Look for filters to specifically show Superchargers open to non-Tesla vehicles.
Sub-Step 3.2: Using the Tesla App
"Charge Your EV" Feature: In the Tesla app, select 'Charge Your EV' and use the map to find a Supercharger site. The app will indicate which sites are compatible with other EVs.
Identify V3 and V4 Superchargers: Generally, V3 and V4 Tesla Superchargers are the ones that support non-Tesla EVs with NACS adapters. These are the newer, faster chargers.
Step 4: The Charging Process Itself: Plugging In and Initiating
Now for the moment of truth!
Sub-Step 4.1: Positioning Your Rivian
Charging Port Location: This is a key consideration for Rivian owners! The charging port on Rivian R1S and R1T vehicles is located at the front driver's side. Tesla vehicles typically have their charge port at the rear driver's side, and Supercharger stalls are designed for Teslas to back in.
Maneuvering: You might find yourself needing to park creatively or take up two spots to ensure the Supercharger cable reaches your Rivian's port. While it's not ideal to occupy more than one spot, sometimes it's necessary due to cable length limitations. Don't worry, future Rivian models like the R2 are expected to have their charge port in a more convenient location for Superchargers.
Sub-Step 4.2: Connecting the Adapter and Charger
Attach Adapter to Rivian: It's often recommended to first plug your NACS DC adapter into your Rivian's charging port. Ensure it's securely seated.
Connect Tesla Cable: Next, take the Tesla Supercharger cable and plug it into your NACS adapter. It should click in easily.
Initiate Charging:
If you're using Plug and Charge through your Rivian app with a credit card on file, the charging session should automatically begin once the connection is made.
If you're initiating via the Tesla app, open the app, select the specific Supercharger stall you're at, and follow the prompts to start charging.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
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Sub-Step 4.3: Monitoring Your Charge and Disconnecting
Monitor Progress: You can monitor your charging progress, including current charge speed and estimated time remaining, through your Rivian's infotainment screen and likely through the Tesla app.
Stopping the Charge: To stop charging, you'll typically do so through your Rivian's in-vehicle screen or the Tesla app. The button on the Tesla charger itself might not always work to stop charging on a non-Tesla EV.
Disconnect: Once the session is complete and stopped, unlock the charging port from your Rivian, remove the Tesla cable from the adapter, then remove the adapter from your Rivian, and return the Supercharger cable to its holster.
Step 5: Post-Charging Considerations
Sub-Step 5.1: Payment and Receipts
Automatic Billing: Payments for Supercharging sessions are typically processed automatically from the payment method you designated in the Tesla app.
Unpaid Balances: Make sure your payment method is up to date to avoid any unpaid balances, which could prevent future Supercharging. You can pay any outstanding balances through the Tesla app.
Sub-Step 5.2: Fees
Idle Fees: Be mindful of idle fees. Tesla charges these if your vehicle remains connected to the Supercharger after it has finished charging, to encourage drivers to move their vehicles and free up stalls. These fees can apply to non-Tesla EVs as well.
On-Peak/Off-Peak Rates: Some Supercharger stations have on-peak and off-peak rates, so checking the pricing in the Tesla app before you charge can help you save money.
Charging your Rivian at a Tesla Supercharger is a game-changer for long-distance travel and daily convenience. With your NACS adapter and the Tesla app, you're tapping into one of the most extensive and reliable fast-charging networks available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to obtain a Rivian-approved NACS adapter?
You can get a Rivian-approved NACS DC adapter from Rivian's Gear Shop, potentially included with new 2025+ Rivian vehicles, or from select Rivian Service Centers.
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
How to set up payment for Tesla Superchargers in the Tesla app?
Download the Tesla app, create an account, navigate to 'Charging' and then 'Manage Payment' to add and designate a payment method for Supercharging.
How to find compatible Tesla Superchargers for my Rivian?
Use your Rivian's in-vehicle navigation, the Rivian app, or the Tesla app's "Charge Your EV" feature to filter for Supercharger locations compatible with non-Tesla EVs (look for V3 and V4 stations).
How to start a charging session at a Tesla Supercharger with a Rivian?
Connect your NACS adapter to your Rivian, then plug the Tesla Supercharger cable into the adapter. You can either rely on Plug and Charge if set up in your Rivian app, or initiate the session manually through the Tesla app.
How to stop a charging session at a Tesla Supercharger?
You can typically stop the charging session via your Rivian's infotainment screen or through the Tesla app.
How to avoid idle fees at Tesla Superchargers?
Move your Rivian promptly from the Supercharger stall once your charging session is complete to avoid incurring idle fees.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
How to get a discount on Tesla Supercharging for my Rivian?
Consider signing up for a Tesla Supercharging Membership through the Tesla app, which can provide reduced charging rates. Remember to initiate the charge via the Tesla app to utilize the membership benefits.
How to know if my Rivian will eventually have a native NACS port?
Rivian plans to integrate native NACS charge ports into its R1 vehicles starting in 2025, and this will continue with models like the R2.
How to deal with the Rivian charging port location at Superchargers?
Due to the front driver's side charging port on Rivians, you might need to park creatively or even across two spots to ensure the Supercharger cable reaches your vehicle.
How to check Supercharger pricing before charging?
The Tesla app or your Rivian's navigation system will display the specific pricing per kWh (or per minute in some areas), including any on-peak/off-peak rates, for each Supercharger site.
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