Rivian Embraces Tesla's Charging Standard, Opens Access to Largest US Superchargers Network

John Lopez, Tech Times 20 June 2023, 01:06 pm

Rivian has announced a groundbreaking agreement with Tesla to adopt Tesla's charging standard, marking a significant milestone in the electric vehicle industry.

An exclusive Reuters report informs us that this move will grant Rivian customers access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, currently the largest in the United States, amplifying Tesla's efforts to establish its charging standard as the industry norm.

Rivian, based in Irvine, California, boasts its own network of fast chargers. However, by spring 2024, Rivian customers will be able to utilize over 12,000 Tesla Superchargers in the United States and Canada with the aid of adapters, ensuring a seamless charging experience across a vast geographical expanse.

Moreover, Rivian has announced plans to incorporate a Tesla-style charging port as a standard feature on its vehicles starting in 2025.

Leveraging Tesla's Reliable Charging Network

In recent weeks, Tesla has secured similar agreements with major automakers such as General Motors and Ford.

These partnerships not only provide other automakers access to Tesla's renowned charging network but also offer Tesla an opportunity to generate revenue by providing power to an expanded community of electric vehicle drivers.

The significance of reliable charging infrastructure cannot be overstated, as it assuages consumers' concerns about potential battery depletion and the inconvenience of being stranded without power.

While many automakers have refrained from constructing their charging networks, Tesla has taken the lead in this domain.

With 51,000 electric chargers in the US, the Department of Energy notes that Tesla's Superchargers constitute approximately 60 percent of all fast chargers available in the United States.

Although Tesla does not disclose charging revenue specifically, its services and other revenue streams accounted for nearly 10 percent of its revenue in the last quarter.

This highlights the financial prospects for Tesla as it further expands its charging network and collaborates with other industry leaders.

Using the Power of Tesla's Supercharger Network

RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to buyers of Rivian's electric pickup trucks and SUVs, enabling them to "leverage Tesla's expansive Supercharger network."

Tesla's charging standard, previously a proprietary technology, was made publicly accessible in November, alongside its rebranding as the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

This move has contributed to Tesla's displacement of a rival standard, the Combined Charging System (CCS), which had previously enjoyed support from the Biden administration.

The US government has allocated a substantial $7.5 billion in funding to expedite the deployment of electric vehicle chargers across the country, and adhering to NACS has been a prerequisite for accessing this funding.

Manufacturers and operators of CCS chargers, including ABB E-mobility North America, Tritium DCFC, EVgo, and FreeWire, have swiftly embraced the adoption of NACS plugs for their charging stations following the recent collaborations between Tesla, Ford, and General Motors.

While Rivian joins forces with Tesla, it remains committed to expanding its proprietary charging network known as the Rivian Adventure Network.

This network encompasses over 3,500 charging stations and features strategically located DC fast chargers along popular routes and highways, ensuring convenient access for Rivian vehicle owners.

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