Heck Yes, They Can! The Great Supercharger Switcheroo for Your Rad Rivian!
Hold onto your hats, fellow adventurers! If you’ve been sweating bullets thinking your super-sweet Rivian R1T or R1S was forever destined to stand forlornly by as Teslas hogged all the prime Supercharger spots, I’ve got some mega-awesome news for you. The charging game has changed, and it's a total win for anyone rocking that awesome "Adventure Vehicle" badge. We're talking about a major glow-up for your road-tripping life.
For the longest time, the EV charging world felt like a high school clique. You had the cool kids with the Tesla plug (NACS) and then everyone else with the CCS plug, constantly feeling left out of the party, especially when it came to the vast, reliable, and seriously extensive Tesla Supercharger network. Well, guess what? The velvet rope has been lifted, and your Rivian is finally on the VIP list!
It’s a whole new ballgame, and we’re here to walk you through how to nail this Supercharger access thing. No more range anxiety jitters! Time to stretch those metaphorical muscles and prepare for a ridiculously simple charging future.
Step 1: 🤯 Get Your Hands on the Magic Translator (A.K.A. The NACS Adapter)
This is the very first, most critical step. Your current Rivian (models from 2022-2025) has a CCS charging port. Tesla Superchargers use the NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. They don’t just smooch naturally. You need a matchmaker, a translator, a glorious piece of plastic and metal wizardry: the NACS DC Adapter.
1.1 The Official Word on the Street
Existing Rivian owners: Rivian has been a total bro and started shipping out free NACS DC adapters to owners. It's their way of saying, "Thanks for being one of the first to rock the R1!" If you own a qualifying R1T or R1S, you should have already received instructions or the adapter itself. If you're still waiting, holler at Rivian support or check your account dashboard.
The Future is Now (or 2025): Starting with the 2026 model year, new Rivians will come straight from the factory with the NACS port built-in! No adapter needed—they’ll be charging natively like a total pro. That’s what we call future-proofing, folks!
Buying it outright: If you bought your Rivian later or just want an extra, you can snag the official, Rivian-approved adapter from the Rivian Gear Shop. It’s a bit of an investment, but trust me, the access it grants is worth the dough.
Pro Tip: Stick to the Rivian-approved adapter! Using unapproved third-party adapters can be dicey. Rivian and Tesla have done the digital handshake to ensure the official adapter works seamlessly with their software for that sweet 'Plug & Charge' life.
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| Can Rivian Use Any Tesla Supercharger |
Step 2: 🗺️ Map it Out: Finding the Compatible Superchargers
Not every single Supercharger stall across the nation is ready for your Rivian right this second. Tesla has been opening the gates, but mainly at their V3 and V4 Supercharger sites, which are the newer, faster ones. The older V2 chargers often aren't compatible.
2.1 Your Rivian's Killer Navigation System
Update Your Ride: Make sure your Rivian's software is the latest and greatest. Over-the-air updates have brought the Tesla Supercharger network directly into your truck or SUV's navigation system. No joke!
Filter Like a Boss: Go into your charging map settings (usually under a 'Hide' or 'Filter' tab) and make sure you haven’t hidden the chargers that require an adapter. Toggle that switch on, and boom! The map will light up with compatible Supercharger stations.
Trust the System: If a Supercharger location isn't showing up on your Rivian map, it’s probably one of the older, incompatible locations. Do not drive there. Your time is too precious to waste on a charging tease.
2.2 Outside Intel: Backup Apps
You can also check the Tesla app (under 'Charge Your Non-Tesla') or third-party apps like PlugShare. Just remember, your Rivian’s native map is the most reliable source of truth for what’s officially compatible with your specific truck/SUV.
Step 3: 🔋 The Hook-Up: Plugging in for the Juice
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
You’ve arrived at the Supercharger. You're feeling good. Time to get that sweet, sweet electron flow going!
3.1 Parking Like You Own the Place (Carefully)
Mind the Cord: Tesla's Supercharger cables are notoriously short because their charge port is usually in the back corner. Your Rivian's charge port is on the front driver's side. You might have to park a little unconventionally—maybe diagonal, or taking the spot next to the one you're charging at—to make the cable reach comfortably. Be a good human and try not to block two stalls if you can help it!
Pre-Conditioning Prep: If you’ve routed to the Supercharger using your Rivian’s navigation, the vehicle should already be pre-conditioning its battery. This is clutch because it warms up the battery to the perfect temperature for super-fast DC charging. It's like giving your battery a pep talk before the big race.
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3.2 The Adapter Dance
Plug the Adapter into the Charger First: This is usually the easiest way. Take the NACS adapter and firmly attach it to the Tesla Supercharger cable's plug. Make sure it locks into place and feels solid. Some adapters have a little slide-lock mechanism—make sure that sucker is engaged!
Plug the Whole Rig into Your Rivian: Now, take the newly joined charger-and-adapter unit and confidently plug it into your Rivian's CCS port. You’ll hear the satisfying clunk as it locks in.
Step 4: 💳 The Seamless 'Plug & Charge' Experience
This is where the Rivian-Tesla partnership truly shines. Say goodbye to fumbling with credit cards and sketchy apps at every charging station.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
4.1 The Magic of Plug & Charge
The Default: If you have a valid payment method (like a credit card) linked to your Rivian account, the car and the Supercharger will communicate directly with each other. The system recognizes your Rivian’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), confirms your account, and starts the session. It's truly a thing of beauty. Charging starts automatically, and you get billed through your Rivian account.
To App or Not to App (Tesla App, that is): You don't need the Tesla app for a basic charge. However, if you want to take advantage of the lower, membership-based rates that Tesla offers, you must initiate the charge using the Tesla app before you plug in. If you plug in first, it defaults to the Rivian/non-Tesla standard rate, which is usually higher.
4.2 Monitor and Chill
Stay Informed: Keep tabs on your charge session from the Rivian’s giant in-car screen or the Rivian mobile app. You can see the charging speed (which can be wicked fast on a V3 charger!), time remaining, and cost so far.
The Disconnect: Once you're charged up and ready to roll, stop the charging session (usually by tapping the "Stop Charging" button on your screen or the charger), then simply unplug the adapter/cable from your Rivian and place the cable back on the Supercharger stand. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I get the cheapest rate for charging my Rivian at a Tesla Supercharger?
The cheapest rate is usually achieved by signing up for a Tesla Supercharger Membership through the Tesla app. You must then initiate the charging session for your Rivian in the Tesla app before plugging the adapter and cable into your vehicle. If you simply plug and charge, you will be billed the higher, non-member rate through your Rivian account.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Can I use the NACS adapter for other types of charging, like a public Level 2 charger?
Absolutely not! The NACS DC adapter is specifically for DC fast charging (Level 3) at Superchargers. Your Rivian's built-in CCS port handles DC fast charging, and its J1772 port (under the same flap) handles Level 2 AC charging. Using the DC adapter on an AC charger could be a major buzzkill (and potentially damage your vehicle or the charger).
My Rivian navigation isn't showing any Tesla Superchargers—what gives?
You most likely have a filter on! Go into your navigation/charging settings (often a small lightning bolt or gear icon) and look for the "Adapter Needed" filter. Make sure that toggle is set to ON so the map will display Superchargers that require your NACS adapter.
How do I make sure the NACS adapter is properly locked onto the Supercharger cable?
You need to push the NACS plug all the way into the adapter until it seats firmly. Many official or approved adapters have a small slide switch or locking tab you must manually engage. Give it a wiggle after you lock it—if the adapter doesn't move or come off the Tesla cable, you're good to go!
Will using a Supercharger void my Rivian warranty?
Nope, you’re good. Rivian’s official distribution of the NACS DC adapter and the integration of Superchargers into their native navigation system confirms their full support for using the Tesla network. As long as you use the Rivian-approved adapter on compatible Superchargers, you are operating entirely within their approved guidelines.
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