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

[norivian]

Tesla Superchargers (that you have access to without an adapter) make up more than half of all public charging stations by plug count.

Most CCS stations (the ones that you need an adapter for) have 4-8 plugs and are always busy, meanwhile Tesla has several locations along major highways with more than 100 plugs each. Charging metropolis.

You don’t actually need an adapter, but it is more convenient for now. Just make sure you set the setting in your nav to avoid sites that require an adapter.

When i go on a road trip, i set my Gen 2 R1S to Tesla network ONLY. I plan my charging stops that way. It’s more predictable and more convenient for me than including RAN and EA. In a few locations, I use Chargepoint.

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[norivian]

In all fairness, I think owners of CCS and NACS version charge parts need to have the opposite adapter. Rivian could easily bake the adapter into the vehicle purchase price, and I don't think it would phase a perspective buyer, they would instead likely praise Rivian for including it.

Personally, I think the OEM NACS adapter is hot garbage based on feel and build quality, and am far more confident in my A2Z adapter.

Availability of adapters when shipping hwith cars may be an issue.

 

[norivian]

Never thought I’d hear someone complain about their vehicle having the latest charging standard. Yes you will need adapters if you want o use a non NACS plug. They are a drop in the bucket compared to the $100,000+ vehicle you just purchased.

Understanding of charging requirements should be basic knowledge prior to purchasing this vehicle. However you are not alone. Many people purchase EVs expecting that everything is compatible with everything else and that is simply not the case. NACS is the standard all future chargers in the USA will likely move to, so it makes sense for Rivian to go that way too. It really isn’t their responsibility to provide adapters, and you can purchase adapters outside of Rivian. For example A2Z makes excellent adapters.

It’s like buying a laptop without the powerbrick. Also, a 100K+ car does not even have a charging adapter with it… or a spare tire (even donut tire) with it.

… but I get it! Gone were the days for customers expecting “more value for your money“.

 

[Empirate]

Couple of thoughts here.

First, welcome to the team. I hope the purchase went smooth, and the truck does well for you!

I agree, they should include both an adapter, and a home/mobile charger. I understand they are working towards bottom line profit, but these are, IMO part of the package. I'm unsure what other electric device one can purchase that doesn't come with a charger (or at least a cable to do so). I'm fortunate in that my 1st gen R1T came with both the mobile charger and the adapter. I bought a month after the Tesla network opened to Rivian, so it was part of a promotion, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be included for all.......at least in my opinion.

The flip side here is that, well, with the state of EV charging infrastructure in the US, adapters are a reality and should be expected for a very long time. This feels as much a mislead by Rivian, as a lack of verify in the "trust but verify" step of automobile purchase. I don't want to victim blame here, but at the same time, it's a VERY common point of discussion surrounding "how do I charge" questions. I feel like you probably should have seen this coming.

 

[Empirate]

I don't take is as victim blaming, there have been plenty of similar comments and as I state in th OP, "obviously my fault" regarding the new-to-the-tech misread of the (included) L2 converter vs the L3 converter.

One thing I think is misdirected is the true hater/troller post trying to shame a new buyer for failing to gain adequate understanding of charging technology lingo for buying an ev (amongst all the other thing the new buyer is considering). I imagine the Rivian ecexs cringe at that type of post.

The context is that it WAS included for 2025 models and is a necessity (given the state of the industry now and for years to come), at least in many (most?) owners' opinion, and definitely to use Rivian's own charging network. .

IMO, it should be included when you pay $100+k for a 2026 model year Rivian.

Edited for clarity and to fix typos that occurred while thumb typing.

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