Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian incorporates NACS charge points into its Adventure Network charging system.
In a significant move towards electric vehicle (EV) charging standardisation, Rivian has announced plans to upgrade its Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) to support the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This transition is part of a broader industry movement, supported by nearly every major automaker after NACS was formalised as an SAE standard.
Initially, RAN was exclusive to Rivian owners, but it has since evolved to welcome other EVs. As of now, RAN chargers are CCS-only, but Rivian aims to convert or expand the network to include NACS support, with both CCS and NACS infrastructure within its Adventure Network.
Starting in 2025, all new Rivian R1T and R1S models will come with native NACS charge ports. This means NACS ports become standard from 2025 onwards. Rivian's newer Gen2 vehicles, including the 2026 R1T and R1S, are already equipped with native NACS ports, eliminating the need for adapters.
Regarding specific site conversions in 2022 and 2025, the available information does not explicitly mention which RAN locations were planned for NACS conversion or expansion during those particular years. However, the overall plan includes expanding the RAN from over 400 fast chargers in 22 states to over 600 locations by the end of 2025, with the capability to deliver up to 300 kW charging.
The feature of supporting both CCS and NACS connectors will be particularly useful for first-generation R1T and R1S owners who may need adapters when using NACS-only stations. By the end of 2025, Rivian aims to retrofit its most frequented stations with both CCS and NACS connectors.
The Joshua Tree Charging Outpost in California is the first RAN site to feature both CCS1 and NACS connectors. The upgrade at Joshua Tree included swapping out four of the site's existing CCS cabinets for NACS. The NACS setup is expected to become the new norm across RAN locations.
Rivian's app and in-vehicle infotainment system will continue to provide real-time charger status, including connector type availability and notifications about adapter requirements. After Joshua Tree, Rivian plans to bring NACS plugs to its Charging Outpost in the Hamptons, New York, which is set to open on August 7. Yosemite's popular Outpost will follow later this summer.
NACS offers a smaller, elegant, and lighter connector compared to CCS while maintaining the ability to deliver high charging speeds. Upcoming models such as the R2 and R3 will also feature NACS. Free adapters for existing R1T and R1S vehicles to connect to Tesla Superchargers were available as of March 18, 2024.
Rivian has yet to build a RAN site in Canada, but the company's commitment to NACS could pave the way for a wider adoption of the standard across North America.
- Rivian plans to convert or expand its Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) to include North American Charging Standard (NACS) support, making it possible for RAN chargers to support both CCS and NACS infrastructure.
- As of 2025, all new Rivian R1T and R1S models will come with native NACS charge ports, signifying a shift towards NACS as the standard charging connection for future Rivian vehicles.
