Level 3 Charging 2025-2026 for Rivian R1S May Require a $300 "Accessory"

[Johnster]

Thanks for the kind welcome, I am stoked to join the community!

You make a fair point about my responsibility, one which I understood already and tried to anticipate with the "clearly my mistake" statement. However, it's a lot of new information for the uninitiated and I'm probably not much more or less engaged in self education than most. Another way of saying probably not the first or last to make this mistake.

I understand that the post may have come across as a rant and appreciate that you provide some validation to that. While I hope more input comes from those like you, with knowledge and experience, my intent is to help the 2 groups I mentioned (admittedly not most of the forum readers).

Thanks for responding and keeping it positive.

- Franklin

Welcome to EV land! I'm sure by now you're saturated with knowledge, but just my additional 2 cents...

We now live in a CCS + NACS world. I don't expect any EV manufacturer to bundle a fast charger adapter - and extra cost - as each owner's home/fast charging preferences will vary (Tesla SC has the most expensive $ per kWh in my Seattle area).

I bought my 2026 R1S Dual Max (NACS) in November. I was pleasantly surprised that Rivian did in fact include a J-1772 to NACS adapter since I already have a Juicebox (!) plug-in charger at home (for my 2019 Chevy Bolt!) - no fires yet and charging at 24 miles/hour! I bought a spare on Amazon for $16.

I'm cheap, so I bought a $75 CCS-NACS adapter for level 3 charging of the R1S (https://a.co/d/7e0C6nQ). It worked great at my local Electrify America (CCS), which seems to be the least expensive in the Seattle area (and it was FREE at my local Fred Meyer!).

I have 9 charging apps on my phone. If you wish to be a charging nerd, I also recommend electraFi.com.

Enjoy your R1S!

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[DCFC]

I'm cheap, so I bought a $75 CCS-NACS adapter for level 3 charging of the R1S (https://a.co/d/7e0C6nQ). It worked great at my local Electrify America (CCS), which seems to be the least expensive in the Seattle area (and it was FREE at my local Fred Meyer!).

Absolutely do not use that cheap adapter with your Rivian! I've taken apart a cheap one before and they undersized the conductors along with not having proper temperature sensing to prevent a meltdown. You can by a proper adapter from Lectron or A2Z for only a hundred more. A Rivian z if charging for low SOC, will pull 500A for 15 minutes or so. You absolutely risk melting the cable to your car, or worse, by using that cheap adapter. Someone with a GM bolt that only pulls 100A can get away with it, but not pulling 500A. I can't say it strongly enough, you are risking your near $100k EV to save $100 on an adapter.

 

[stickycheeks]

Congrats on your Rivian purchase. I hope you find it enjoyable and reliable for a long time.

Looking at the inventory on the Rivian website, it seems that Dual Standard - Tri Motor all include the J1772 AC Adapter listed under “Accessories.” However the Quad includes the J1772 AC Adapter and the Combo CCS1 Adapter.

I received my CCS1 adapter in the mail today for my Quad I recently purchased, and it appears to be branded for (or made by) Rivian. My J1772 adapter was in my vehicle when I drove off the lot.

Cheers!

 

[Johnster]

Absolutely do not use that cheap adapter with your Rivian! I've taken apart a cheap one before and they undersized the conductors along with not having proper temperature sensing to prevent a meltdown. You can by a proper adapter from Lectron or A2Z for only a hundred more. A Rivian z if charging for low SOC, will pull 500A for 15 minutes or so. You absolutely risk melting the cable to your car, or worse, by using that cheap adapter. Someone with a GM bolt that only pulls 100A can get away with it, but not pulling 500A. I can't say it strongly enough, you are risking your near $100k EV to save $100 on an adapter.

Thanks, I really appreciate that!

I ordered this from a2zev.com. Work?

https://a2zev.com/collections/charging-adapters/products/ccs1-nacs-thunderstorm

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Thanks, I really appreciate that!

I ordered this from a2zev.com. Work?

https://a2zev.com/collections/charging-adapters/products/ccs1-nacs-thunderstorm

A2Z is top notch and feel higher quality, in hand, than the Tesla-made adapters. A2Z's customer support is also unrivaled. They consistently respond to inquiries in a timely manner. And in cases where replacement is necessary, they send it from Canada at no charge. Search and you'll find numerous posts documenting their dedication to customer satisfaction. While they are not as active in this forum as before, they always respond to email. Contact info is on their site.

 

[Time2Roll]

Congrats on your Rivian purchase. I hope you find it enjoyable and reliable for a long time.

Looking at the inventory on the Rivian website, it seems that Dual Standard - Tri Motor all include the J1772 AC Adapter listed under “Accessories.” However the Quad includes the J1772 AC Adapter and the Combo CCS1 Adapter.

I received my CCS1 adapter in the mail today for my Quad I recently purchased, and it appears to be branded for (or made by) Rivian. My J1772 adapter was in my vehicle when I drove off the lot.

Cheers!

That just about my exact vehicle. Very nice, enjoy the ride.

 

[hamiltonca]

Couple things. First, congrats on your new truck. You will get over the adapter thing in no time. Most manufacturers have quit providing the free DCFC adapters.

Second, the '25 Rivians do not have the NACS port. Third, I'm sure you can find a 3rd party adapter for much less than $300.

I have a '26 R1S. The $300 Rivian CCS to NACS adapter is 0.03% (yes 3 one hundreds of a pecent) of the cost of my SUV. For piece of mind, get the real deal. Gemini told me the Rivian adapter is manufactured by Tesla. Consider the source.

 

[stickycheeks]

That just about my exact vehicle. Very nice, enjoy the ride.

@Time2Roll, I actually have that exact spec, except I have the 20” AT Dark wheels, not the Dune….Rivian only has my spec with Dune wheels in their current inventory, so I used it for the screenshot example to show the accessory option highlighted….So maybe our Quads are a closer match?

 

[Time2Roll]

@Time2Roll, I actually have that exact spec, except I have the 20” AT Dark wheels, not the Dune….Rivian only has my spec with Dune wheels in their current inventory, so I used it for the screenshot example to show the accessory option highlighted….So maybe our Quads are a closer match?

Graphite Dune wheels. Mine is the Launch Edition.

 

[ChicagoYeti]

...
2. An adapter (NACS -> CCS or CCS -> NACS) specific for Level 3 charging is necessary to charge your vehicle at both major types of stations you will encounter.* Many Rivian owners assert that this is a basic need, even if it is not frequently an issue, and that you should get one with your purchase or plan to do it later, then keep it in your vehicle.

3. Whatever prior practice (or promotion, etc.), new 2026 Rivians do not currently include this device with the purchase; it is an "accessory".
...

You are going to love your Rivian. I am on my second R1S ... the first one had the CCS charging port, and the new one has the NACS port. I routinely travel between Chicago and Traverse City, MI. The chargers get a little scarce once you are north of Grand Rapids, but do-able. I have been well served with the adaptors on both vehicles, and I highly recommend having one in the vehicle.

I would highly endorse the A2Z adaptor (the "Thunderstorm Plug"). I have the "Rivian-branded" combo adaptor and have issues with it when charging at CCS stations in warm weather. I often encountered reduced charging speeds due to high temperatures sensed at the plug/adaptor.

I spoke with several Rivian engineers at a Rivian "Pop-up Electric Joy Ride" event here in Chicago (cool events, if you get a chance to attend one). The "Rivian-branded" adaptor is manufactured by a 3rd party, and fills a need until they can develop their own. The tolerances for the electrical connections in these adaptors are critical, and less-than-perfect connections between the charging cable and the adaptor ... and between the adaptor and the vehicle ... can quickly cause the adaptor/plug to heat up.

I purchased the equivalent A2Z adaptor and have not had any issues. Granted, I have not had as much experience with it in hot weather, but I will keep using both of them this coming summer. I can say, anecdotally, that the A2Z adaptor fits much tighter in the vehicle's NACS port. Much less "wiggle room" when compared to the "Rivian-branded" adaptor.

Also, I have never had temperature issues at compatible Tesla Superchargers (No adaptor needed).

Lastly, FWIW, the Tesla Chargers are usually cheaper than the CCS chargers (Electrify America is $$$) and the Rivian Adventure Network chargers are the most expensive ones on my route (go figure).

Happy Travels!

 

[Empirate]

...I routinely travel between Chicago and Traverse City, MI. The chargers get a little scarce once you are north of Grand Rapids, but do-able. I have been well served with the adaptors on both vehicles, and I highly recommend having one in the vehicle.

I would highly endorse the A2Z adaptor (the "Thunderstorm Plug")...

Happy Travels!

Thanks for the advice, just put in my order. I frequently drive the route between Indy and Empire (as you may have guessed by my handle). I've had a great experience with the R1S so far and look forward to taking it up north when the weather is better (for now, continuing to use my LR LR4 with snow tires this season, putting off the purchase of new snow-rated tires for the R1S until next year).

 

[eddysales001]

Congrats on your Rivian purchase. I hope you find it enjoyable and reliable for a long time.

Looking at the inventory on the Rivian website, it seems that Dual Standard - Tri Motor all include the J1772 AC Adapter listed under “Accessories.” However the Quad includes the J1772 AC Adapter and the Combo CCS1 Adapter.

I received my CCS1 adapter in the mail today for my Quad I recently purchased, and it appears to be branded for (or made by) Rivian. My J1772 adapter was in my vehicle when I drove off the lot.

Cheers!

Congrats on your Rivian purchase. I hope you find it enjoyable and reliable for a long time.

Looking at the inventory on the Rivian website, it seems that Dual Standard - Tri Motor all include the J1772 AC Adapter listed under “Accessories.” However the Quad includes the J1772 AC Adapter and the Combo CCS1 Adapter.

I received my CCS1 adapter in the mail today for my Quad I recently purchased, and it appears to be branded for (or made by) Rivian. My J1772 adapter was in my vehicle when I drove off the lot.

Cheers!

I believe at least the ccs to NACS adapters that is branded by Rivian is actually made by Tesla

 

[Skeldog99]

Flash sale at A2ZEV, picked up a CCS to NACS for $119 to include shipping.

 

[Empirate]

Flash sale at A2ZEV, picked up a CCS to NACS for $119 to include shipping.

I got that deal (15%) the promo code was "flashsale".

 

[emoore]

I have a '26 R1S. The $300 Rivian CCS to NACS adapter is 0.03% (yes 3 one hundreds of a pecent) of the cost of my SUV. For piece of mind, get the real deal. Gemini told me the Rivian adapter is manufactured by Tesla. Consider the source.

It is made by Tesla so the source is correct.

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