Key Takeaways

• Rivian is expanding its Adventure Network to allow other EVs access.
• It’s also rolling out new chargers with improvements including tap-to-pay terminals and larger screens.
• Though currently only compatible with CSS-equipped EVs, a NACS adapter will be available.

Electric vehicle maker Rivian has its own network of DC fast chargers that are exclusively for use by Rivian vehicles, including the R1S SUV and R1T truck. That’s about to change as the company will be opening its Adventure Network to other EVs later this year.

The news comes as the notion of automaker-specific charging networks slowly disappears. The Tesla Supercharger network was once exclusively available to Tesla owners. It even had a unique charging port that made it impossible for other EVs, which largely used Combined Charging System (CCS) ports, to plug-in and charge.

Everyone Can Charge Everywhere

Over the last few months, that’s changed. That unique Tesla port has been renamed the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and automakers are adopting this style of port for their upcoming EVs. Rivian is on the list of automakers moving to NACS, but that switch won’t happen until its 2025 vehicles arrive.

“Rivian exists to address two specific needs, the electrification of our transportation system and supporting the transition of our power grid to carbon-free energy sources,” – Paul Frey, Rivian VP Battery, Charging, and Adventure Products.

In the meantime, it’s opening its network to other EVs that still use CCS ports. At the moment, that’s pretty much all EVs except for Tesla, which still has its own very robust network of chargers for its customers.

Goodbye CCS

The move to NACS won’t happen overnight, but as the number of vehicles with this new standard increases, they will have access to Rivian chargers as long as they purchase a Rivian-approved adapter. In addition, Rivian is rolling out all-new chargers.

These new chargers have a larger display screen, a tap-to-pay terminal that makes them easier to use, and the ability to work with both 400- and 800-volt EVs. These updated chargers are set to replace the 400 or so chargers at 67 existing locations. Rivian hopes to expand to 600 locations with 3,500 chargers.