Rivian, despite its lack of profitability, continues to make positive contributions in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. One example is its efforts to rescue trucks stuck in difficult situations and its use of shared owner data to inform other owners about unreliable charging stations. Now, Rivian is taking another step by repositioning its vehicle charge ports to be more compatible with Tesla Supercharger stations.
Currently, most automakers that sell EVs have announced their plans to adopt the Tesla-developed North American Charging System (NACS) charger connector by 2025. This is a significant shift from the currently dominant Combined Charging System (CCS) and indicates a recognition of the need for a standardized charging system. However, outside of the Tesla Supercharger network, the U.S. EV charging infrastructure is lacking.
To address increasing customer dissatisfaction and slow sales growth, automakers are likely considering the quick fix of adapting to the existing, extensive, and reliable NACS-based Supercharger network, rather than waiting for federal infrastructure development. However, the lack of a standard for vehicle charge port placement poses a challenge.
Rivian, like other automakers transitioning to the NACS, offers an adapter for its current CCS plug. In 2025, Rivian’s R1 models will have direct NACS compatibility, followed by the R2 in 2026. As part of this transition, Rivian has also relocated its charging ports.
According to Green Car Reports, during a recent showcase of Rivian’s upcoming models, the plug-in location was shifted from the right rear to the left rear of the vehicles. This change has been highlighted in official Rivian images. Previously, Rivian stated that the right rear position was ideal for curbside charging and connecting to its own charging network.
While this update is a nice gesture, it does have its detractors. Notably, owners who use trailers, tow equipment, or utilize equipment racks find the new port position inconvenient. This is especially relevant as electric trucks and SUVs, as well as RVs, are becoming more popular. Pull-through chargers at public stations are scarce, which further compounds the issue.
Interestingly, there is a lack of consensus among EV automakers when it comes to charge port placement. Gridserve reports that a majority of EVs have charge ports located at the rear, with the right side being the most common (37%) and the left side accounting for 28%. This lack of standardization extends even within individual automakers, as seen with Kia EVs having charge ports in multiple locations. Factors influencing port placement include the positioning of vehicle electronics, market preferences, and specific usage, such as towing.
The EV industry is still experiencing growing pains, particularly in terms of charging infrastructure. It is crucial for the industry to consider not only the needs of daily suburban commuters but also those of business travelers, road trippers, haulers, and weekend warriors. Achieving an EV-only future requires addressing the inconvenience of disconnecting trailers to access charging stations.
In conclusion, Rivian’s decision to reposition its charge ports to be more compatible with Tesla Supercharger stations is a positive step towards standardization in the EV industry. However, challenges remain in terms of accommodating different vehicle uses and preferences. The industry as a whole needs to prioritize the development of a reliable and convenient charging infrastructure that caters to the diverse needs of EV owners.
