Ford concluded the 2023-2024 winter season by initiating the first official battery replenishment session at a Tesla Supercharger stall.
As the first legacy automaker to announce integration with NACS and access to Tesla’s high-power charging network for its buyers, Ford was granted this privilege, marking a significant milestone. Rivian, however, is now stepping into the spotlight. Here’s the scoop:
Current and prospective owners of Rivian vehicles equipped with the CCS Combo 1 connector can now confidently plan summer road trips with their R1T and R1S EVs, free from concerns about fast charging availability.
Rivian has confirmed that access to the Supercharger network will commence in March, with adapter shipments following soon after the completion of systems integration.
Rivian plans to incorporate all Superchargers into its proprietary app and vehicle trip planner, offering seamless navigation for its users.
While specific timelines for adapter shipments remain unclear, Rivian is expected to expedite the process, especially with a planned factory downtime at the Normal factory during the summer. The company likely aims to distribute adapters before refocusing efforts on enhancing the R1T and R1S models.
While the move may not come as a surprise to informed EV enthusiasts, it represents a significant advancement for all-electric vehicle owners.
Initially speculated as a means for accessing government funds, Tesla’s decision to open its charging network to other EVs has influenced competitors to abandon alternative charging solutions or support for the CCS connector.
Tesla’s commitment to innovation in the fast-charging sector has garnered praise, with approximately one stall being installed and activated every hour in North America. Until the end of spring, access to more than 15,000 Supercharger pedestals will be exclusive to owners of Ford, Rivian, General Motors, Volvo, and Polestar vehicles.
However, EV owners should remain vigilant about kWh pricing before plugging in, as some have encountered unexpectedly high charging costs. Despite Rivian’s charging network, which welcomes other CCS-equipped EVs, careful consideration of charging expenses remains prudent for all road-tripping enthusiasts.