Tesla engineer urges Rivian to move charge port location on R2, R3, R3X for Supercharger access

[Supratachophobia]

The biggest obstacle to wide adoption of EV’s are the issues regarding charging. The cost saving associated with putting charging ports in locations that are not easily accessible or easy to use is a foolish way to proceed. Rivian, please keep it simple and locate the charging ports where they are most convenient and usable. It appears that either front left or right are the best choices. The stupidest way to proceed is to save money, which is probably single digit dollars and frustrate consumers every time they have to charge their vehicle. If this was a case study in business school Rivian would get an “F” for this decision.

14ft of copper at a gauge that can support 500 amps @ 400v is nowhere near single digit savings. We are probably talking about a $500 wiring harness here, per car.

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[RayzorBEV]

You pull up to the trailer RAN station from the right side.

R2, R3 and R3X do not appeared to have a tow hitch option. Instead Rivian designed their own proprietary bumper rack system for bikes, camp kitchen, etc

 

[NY_Rob]

R2, R3 and R3X do not appeared to have a tow hitch option. Instead Rivian designed their own proprietary bumper rack system for bikes, camp kitchen, etc

If the R2 doesn't have a tow hitch option (if it isn't already built in) that vehicle will be a flop. A $45-$65K 4-door SUV without a tow hitch or option for one would be beyond mind-blowing.

FWIW- someone did ask RJ about R2 towing specs.. he replied it will be able to tow they just don't have the load spec yet.

 

[Watty]

It appears that either front left or right are the best choices.

Why? By what metric is that what "appears" to be the best choice?

The stupidest way to proceed is to save money, which is probably single digit dollars and frustrate consumers every time they have to charge their vehicle. If this was a case study in business school Rivian would get an “F” for this decision.

What evidence do you have that it's "single digit" cost savings?

I it doesn't frustrate me, it pleases me because that's where my charger is installed in my garage.

 

[Arbitrator]

Why? By what metric is that what "appears" to be the best choice?



What evidence do you have that it's "single digit" cost savings?

I it doesn't frustrate me, it pleases me because that's where my charger is installed in my garage.

I have no direct evidence of the additional cost. I agree my guesstimate may be low. However we are talking about approximately 10 feet of additional wire, acquired at wholesale and in bulk. Consequently, the cost won’t be that significant given the importance of this item.

 

[Watty]

Agree to disagree.

 

[Supratachophobia]

I have no direct evidence of the additional cost. I agree my guesstimate may be low. However we are talking about approximately 10 feet of additional wire, acquired at wholesale and in bulk. Consequently, the cost won’t be that significant given the importance of this item.

Again, nope. We are talking about an extremely high gauge copper wire, unlikely only 10ft, that needs *TWO* DC conductors, data wires, fitted with a protective sheath, labels, attachment points, connection tabs on both ends, properly routed and protected on it's way from the front to the rear. If you think Rivian can grab this "extension cord" from Home Depot, please stay far far away from anything electrical related for the foreseeable future.

 

[SnowFlyer]

The Tesla engineer has it right! The port needs to be in the front right location in right hand drive countries.

1) allows for curbside charging.
2) no interference between the charging stall and trailers, bikes, etc on the rear.
3) allows for seamless use of the much more widespread Tesla charging network.

Go the extra mile and make it a truly user friendly, elegant design which is the Rivian way: NACS in the front right location.

Rivians are supposed to be adventure vehicles, so please design them for adventures!

Consider an option to do front left in the UK and all the others who drive on that other side of the road.

 

[s0ysauce]

Yep I knew this was going to be an issue one day. I also bought the wall connector with a longer cable.

I was ready this day.

 

[DPT-dad89]

Wow. I didn’t realize so many people were afraid to back up.

Wouldn’t someone have to back out of the spot, driveway or garage they parked in anyway?

The rear passenger location is fine with me. The anger that some people have voiced over the location is hilarious. If having to back up to a charge station or walk around my car to plug it in are the big issues in my life….. I’m doing ok.

 

[iansriv]

Wow. I didn’t realize so many people were afraid to back up.

Wouldn’t someone have to back out of the spot, driveway or garage they parked in anyway?

The rear passenger location is fine with me. The anger that some people have voiced over the location is hilarious. If having to back up to a charge station or walk around my car to plug it in are the big issues in my life….. I’m doing ok.

Ya, but you're Captain America!

 

[DPT-dad89]

Ya, but you're Captain America!

We all have life goals. No matter how unachievable some may be.?

 

[iansriv]

We all have life goals. No matter how unachievable some may be.?

Mine is to be remembered as a good human being, long after I'm gone.

 

[Utah-Jay]

I have a 3 bike rack

I have a R2 deposit down, we currently have two ebikes that are heavy, 74 pounds each and have not been able to find a trailer hitch bike rack that can support the weight of our bikes. Any ideas?

 

[Cascadian]

I have a R2 deposit down, we currently have two ebikes that are heavy, 74 pounds each and have not been able to find a trailer hitch bike rack that can support the weight of our bikes. Any ideas?

I have a Kuat for 3 mountain bikes. Sorry, but I do not have a recommendation for e-bikes.

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