R1S Supercharger problems - looking for advice

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Tolerance of A2Z Typhoon has been covered in many threads. It’s tight when new. The recommended technique is to get it lined up and just barely inserted, then ram it home with one swift shove. The plug has to seat fully for tab and notch to line up and allow the slide lock to engage. Once the adapter has been used a few times, it will loosen, and not require extra force or attention to seat plug. Ways to tell plug is fully inserted: Observe and note wear line on plug. Plus, once locked, sliding switch will completely cover up lettering.

As for derating, was it hot? Did you keep your adapter in the frunk and the plug itself was hot/warm when you started using it each time? Store adapter in cool place. If none of these were the case, contact A2Z and see what they say. I’d also try using it at night, when ambient conditions are cool, just for sake of eliminating one potential cause.

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[JCWCVG]

Tolerance of A2Z Typhoon has been covered in many threads. It’s tight when new. The recommended technique is to get it lined up and just barely inserted, then ram it home with one swift shove. The plug has to seat fully for tab and notch to line up and allow the slide lock to engage. Once the adapter has been used a few times, it will loosen, and not require extra force or attention to seat plug. Ways to tell plug is fully inserted: Observe and note wear line on plug. Plus, once locked, sliding switch will completely cover up lettering.

As for derating, was it hot? Did you keep your adapter in the frunk and the plug itself was hot/warm when you started using it each time? Store adapter in cool place. If none of these were the case, contact A2Z and see what they say. I’d also try using it at night, when ambient conditions are cool, just for sake of eliminating one potential cause.

Temp at Cornersville (A2Z) TN at 8am was 70F. Prattville (Magic Dock) at noon was probably 87-90F.

 

[strykerwsu]

Just used mine yesterday in 90 degree temps, with no major issues. The tesla chargers often reduce by about 30kwh hours in such heat. So if should be getting 180 lower in pack you only get 150 etc. The vehicle will tell you that held back by charger.

I got lucky in that mine was never that tough to lock. Sorry you're having issues.

I would contact A2Z and work to exchange for their new model with improved locking mechanism. From the YouTube video looks easiest to use of them all so far.

 

[RedRaiderRivian]

Many EA chargers, especially 350-kW EA chargers, throttle back to 40-41 kW for unknown reasons. That problem seems to be on the charger side.

This is a known issue will the cable cooling on the 1st gen 350kw chargers from one of the manufacturers that EA used. I have seen the 150kw EA chargers from ABB keep max rate in 105 degree temps.

 

[emoore]

This is a known issue will the cable cooling on the 1st gen 350kw chargers from one of the manufacturers that EA used. I have seen the 150kw EA chargers from ABB keep max rate in 105 degree temps.

Yep it’s a known reason. That’s why I’ll choose 150 kw stations over 350 on those old units especially in the heat.

 

[adam12]

I had a recent travel between FL and Arkansas. Used the Lectron Vortex when at Tesla and neither had any plug in issues or dramatic electric delivery issues. A to Z has a better overall rep than lectron- but the lectron worked well for me. Admittedly I have a small sample size to talk about though... I did use some EA stations as well and was underwhelmed overall with the speeds.

Sounds like the official adaptor will be the best option - when it is released to all.....

 

[Joe schmoe]

I've put almost 1600 miles on my R1S in the last five days, exclusively on Tesla superchargers except for a single RAN station in Sun Prairie, WI.

Zero issues with the superchargers using the A2Z adapter expect for one station with the magic dock (which also worked fine)

Most of my stops were "splash and dash" where I tried to arrive with a lowish (10-20%) state of charge and charge just enough to have a buffer to get to the net station. This works well with the robust supercharge network.

I've taken the R1S from Memphis to Destin once, and the EA stations are terrible by comparison--I have to try more than one cabinet probably 60% of the time. Maybe 20% of the "350kw" cabinets work as advertised but the 150kw ones are better--probably 2/3 working on any given day.

Charging around Destin has improved over the last year, mostly due to the two new supercharger stations in Destin and Crestview.

I quit using the R1S for long distance travel last summer after a frustrating trip. This last week was the first time I tried again, and with the adapter it was like road tripping in my Tesla again, with zero range anxiety and no need for long legs over 200 miles.

I'm sorry you had trouble, but I don't think that's typical. Destin to Ohio is doable I think on mostly EA chargers, but be prepared for some frustration. Also be prepared for lines, since generally only two of the cabinets are working and there's often a KIA or ID4 sitting on at lest one of the working cabinets charging to 100%. There are also a few 50-80kw chargers scattered around in onesies-twosies, mostly at car dealerships, but they are excruciatingly slow and often ICEd.

 

[FutureTruck]

I've used EA, RAN, and Tesla Supercharger network with an A2Z (first gen adapter) as well as a Tesla V4 Magic Dock (no adapter needed).

Those are much slower than normal charging speeds.

I would test at EA 350 stations and RAN stations. You should be puling 200+ at 40% SOC. Not sure if you are still in FL but there is a RAN station at Daytona outlet mall I've used several times.

If you do several tests and you're still getting slow speeds, I'd call Rivian and make a service appointment. If you do get the fast speeds, for some reason those Tesla stations were wonky (not common).

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Umm… Since A2Z is not approved for use, it would be unwise to contact Rivian about issues encountered during its use.

 

[LL75]

Issues with A2Z - is there some special trick to lock the adapter on the Tesla cable plug? Took me several tries and strained fingers to lock in place at each stop. Has to be an easier way to lock into place. WIll contact A2Z to see if I have a defective adapter.

This is the best trick for getting the lock on. Put the adapter in the tesla handle. Press it hard against the concrete ground, then you should be able to lock it. I did looked like a foo trying to lock it before without doing this trick.

I charged at the superchargers about 10x and always great speed.

 

[smunro622]

Umm… Since A2Z is not approved for use, it would be unwise to contact Rivian about issues encountered during its use.

Rivian lawyers make them say that…: Rivian told me the same adapter that Ford is getting isn’t approved either… hmmm what’s the difference? Awkward silence…I use both my A2Z adapters no issues key is 4-5 Tesla charging sites to test seating adapter and make sure it works… also I want to say Etsy had a cover for the CCS 3d printed plastic, I would put that on place face down on the cement and push the Tesla charger in no issues

 

[JCWCVG]

Umm… Since A2Z is not approved for use, it would be unwise to contact Rivian about issues encountered during its use.

The Supercharger with Magic Dock also exhibited the same issue. That will be the source of my service call. I will be visiting the same chargers in reverse order this Saturday.

 

[TexasBob]

FWIW I had a few similar issues with the A2Z but what solved it for me was to be very methodical about the process I use for connecting the adapter.
1) Push adapter latch open (toward vehicle side) every time
2) Insert SC plug
3) Give adapter a light bump on the inside of frunk (open anyway) to be sure fully seated
4) Lock latch by pulling toward the Tesla side, if any resistance, it was not seated properly remove and repeat above
5) Pull to check if secure
6) Enable SC stall using app to get member pricing (very annoying) anti wait until confirmed
6) Insert into vehicle

This may not help the issue you are describing at all, but after several frustrating experiences, the "clear, insert, tap, lock, check, start" process has never failed and only takes seconds, but it has really helped if I am very deliberate about it.

 

[Joe schmoe]

The Supercharger with Magic Dock also exhibited the same issue. That will be the source of my service call. I will be visiting the same chargers in reverse order this Saturday.

I don't know what the charging situation is where you are specifically, but a few possibly helpful tips:

If you have access to a 12V wall outlet, the Rivian will gain 52 miles/24 hrs.

There is I think a level 2 charger in the Destin commons (and a movie theater, restaurants, etc)

There is level 2 charging at Louis Louis, a restaurant east of Destin on the north side of 98. The grouper is excellent.

Plugshare shows a 50kw (IIRC) charger just west of the 331 bridge, but I haven't tried it.

Depending on where you are staying, the first EA station onI 65 is about 130 miles away

There is a forum member who lives in the area--Moosetags I think.

 

[hgpayne]

Not sure what "debated" is, assume "derated". Never experienced "derating" with Tesla network and I have charged dozens of times in hot and cold weather in a Tesla.

I have experienced a derated supercharger several times. The strangest is at Santa Nella where they have about 50 V3 chargers. Last two times I've been there (I avoid it now) all superchargers except 10 have bags over them and the "working ones max out at 48 kw -- unless they are all busy and then you only get about 25 kw. I chatted with the other people charging and we were all seeing the same thing. This is an ongoing problem for at least 2 years.

Most recent derating was in Phoenix. Yes it was hot. Everybody was getting at max mid 40's. I've charged at 113 F outside on more than one occasion and not had it go this slow. 2017 X 100D. I've also charged the Rivian when hot out but I don't have my adapter yet so I'm all RAN, EVgo, EA, and ChargePoint so far.

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