Rivians can now access Tesla’s Supercharger network, shares jump

March 18, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Rivian (RIVN) owners can now access the Tesla (TSLA) Supercharger network, adding another automaker to Tesla’s charging business, the EV-maker confirmed in a blog post.

Starting today at 12 p.m. ET, Rivian owners are able to use Tesla Superchargers equipped with an NACS (North American Charging Standard) plug by attaching a complimentary adapter issued by Rivian, or by using a certified NACS to CCS1 (Combined Charging Standard) adapter to plug into their Rivian EVs to charge.

Rivian shares added to gains in midday trade following the announcement and are now up over 3%.

Similar to Tesla’s deal with Ford, Rivian owners will now have access to Tesla’s massive Supercharger network, the largest DC-fast charging system with over 15,000 chargers.

“Compatible Superchargers will show up in Rivian navigation when you are planning trips, with charger speeds and availability information listed,” the company said. “You’ll also be able to ‘plug and charge’ with automatic billing. Simply plug the charger into the vehicle and charging will begin automatically without having to pull up an app,” the company oted.

Though Rivian announced a charging deal with Tesla last year, the electric SUV maker had yet to make an official announcement about when it would be implemented.

Rivian owners and EV-watcher were tipped off to this move by a report by InsideEVs, which pointed to X user @ryanhuber’s video that shows his Rivian EV communicating and charging with the Tesla Supercharger. Like Rivian said in its announcement, the user notes the session begins automatically as long as there’s a payment method set up with Rivian’s mobile app, which is used to access charging locations.

Last month, Ford (F) became the first to automaker to gain access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Ford is issuing free adapters designed and engineered by Tesla for use on the Supercharger network.

If Rivian EV owners can’t wait to receive their complimentary charger, they can purchase an adapter this like one, which is compatible with the Tesla’s V3 and V4 Supercharger DC fast chargers.

Note that Rivian’s upcoming R2 and R3 vehicles coming in 2026 will have the Tesla NACS inlet plug as standard on the vehicles, with R1 vehicles getting the NACS inlet in 2025.