Product Request: NACS port retrofit

[GogglesPisano]

Don't know if there's anybody considering this, but I would absolutely jump on a product that would retrofit the current charge port with the NACS so we don't have to use adapters. Obviously this is the format going forward and it would be awesome for us earlier adopters to be able to remove the current port and install one that's dedicated to NACS.

Thoughts? I wonder how much engineering would have to go into this.

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[Dark-Fx]

Thoughts? I wonder how much engineering would have to go into this.

A lot. Especially if you want to eliminate the J1772 port.

 

[Jacopa]

Ain't gonna happen

 

[COdogman]

I'm sure you will find someone who eventually offers this 3rd party. I'm also sure it would void your warranty.

 

[MidnightRivian]

Please see the below link you can click in late 2025 / 2026 where you can trade in your current Rivian with CCS port and upgrade to one with NACS port once available.

You might even possibly qualify for an EV leasing Tax Credit.

Let us know what the upgrade costs you after tax, title and license.

https://rivian.com/configurations/list?SORT=Featured&MODEL=R1S

 

[portdirect]

A lot. Especially if you want to eliminate the J1772 port.

I agree it’s unlikely to happen, but considering the simplicity of the adapter I don’t think it’s a huge undertaking, Rivian could do this pretty quickly if they wanted. Like @COdogman I would expect to see a 3rd party one eventually - essentially something like a hardwired version of the A2Z adapter that fits where the current J1772/CCS1 port is atm.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I agree it’s unlikely to happen, but considering the simplicity of the adapter I don’t think it’s a huge undertaking, Rivian could do this pretty quickly if they wanted. Like @COdogman I would expect to see a 3rd party one eventually - essentially something like a hardwired version of the A2Z adapter that fits where the current J1772/CCS1 port is atm.

The issue is entirely due to the elimination of the separate AC and DC pins. It's infeasible to be NACS compliant unless you can replace the onboard charger with one that will follow the specification.

 

[SANZC02]

Not sure what the issue is using an adapter. Most of my charging is at home, would only use the adapter when traveling. I’ve used an adapter for my Rivian at Tesla L2 charging, I use an adapter all the time charging my Tesla at home.

It is just not an issue for me to use one, I just would not waste any time or money trying to get it converted. ??

 

[SPITmadFIRE]

I agree it’s unlikely to happen, but considering the simplicity of the adapter I don’t think it’s a huge undertaking, Rivian could do this pretty quickly if they wanted. Like @COdogman I would expect to see a 3rd party one eventually - essentially something like a hardwired version of the A2Z adapter that fits where the current J1772/CCS1 port is atm.

The size and shape of the port itself is the least complicated piece of the puzzle. NACS requires onboard contactors and processing to detect AC charging versus DC charging. You're looking at a full charging system replacement to make this work, which I don't see Rivian or anyone else ever offering. It will exceed the cost of simply purchasing a new vehicle.

 

[portdirect]

The issue is entirely due to the elimination of the separate AC and DC pins. It's infeasible to be NACS compliant unless you can replace the onboard charger with one that will follow the specification.

That’s totally fair, and a point I missed in my enthusiasm. I don’t think it would exceed the cost of a new vehicle @SPITmadFIRE , but would certainly be more than would make sense to develop.

 

[FooF]

Personally, I don't see a need to have an NACS retrofit as I still have and use J1772 charging. But if we are able to get native NACS charging with a 3"x5" adapter that is essentially just wiring, can someone explain why it would require "a lot" of engineering to retrofit? I mean, if you just recessed the existing J1772 and permanently attached the adapter, wouldn't that technically be a "retrofit"?

The adapter does not allow level 1 or 2 charging only level 3 which is why it is way more complicated than just using an adapter.

 

[jjswan33]

I want a magic charging port that is just gelatinous in shape. I shove whatever damn DC fast charging port I want in and it uses AI to establish the correct wire connections.

 

[Zoidz]

Personally, I don't see a need to have an NACS retrofit as I still have and use J1772 charging. But if we are able to get native NACS charging with a 3"x5" adapter that is essentially just wiring, can someone explain why it would require "a lot" of engineering to retrofit? I mean, if you just recessed the existing J1772 and permanently attached the adapter, wouldn't that technically be a "retrofit"?

Tesla NACS uses the same pins to charge both L2 AC and L3 DC. J1772 uses separate pins for L2 and L3. The adapter simply connects the Tesla NACS pins to the bottom 2 Rivian/J1772 DC pins. If this was a fixed retrofit with no aditional circuitry, when you charge at home with L2, the Tesla NACS AC pins would be connected to the Rivian J1772 DC pins. That's not gonna work. The Tesla vehicles have power switching devices (contactors or solids state relays, dunno) to route the power internally for AC or DC charging. J1772 does that just by the physical pins on the connector.

 

[solaskaze]

Personally, I don't see a need to have an NACS retrofit as I still have and use J1772 charging. But if we are able to get native NACS charging with a 3"x5" adapter that is essentially just wiring, can someone explain why it would require "a lot" of engineering to retrofit? I mean, if you just recessed the existing J1772 and permanently attached the adapter, wouldn't that technically be a "retrofit"?

It's not the engineering only, it's the cost: Labor costs alone pretty much negates any retrofit option, and: as all future cars will have NACS, I cannot think of a single company that would touch this. As others have noted, you need a complete solution, which is more than wiring.

 

[BigBambu]

Don't know if there's anybody considering this, but I would absolutely jump on a product that would retrofit the current charge port with the NACS so we don't have to use adapters. Obviously this is the format going forward and it would be awesome for us earlier adopters to be able to remove the current port and install one that's dedicated to NACS.

Thoughts? I wonder how much engineering would have to go into this.

I agree. Perhaps Rivian can develop a retrofit kit. Seems all that needs to be done is remove the original charge port and replace it with an NACS style with mounting hardware and using the same mounting holes that the original one uses. I would even pay Rivian for the labor. The real question is what will the impact of any change be to profitability for the Adventure Charging Network.

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