Rivian Equips Adventure Network with NACS Charging Stations
Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is expanding its charging infrastructure by upgrading its Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) to support the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This move comes as part of a broader industry shift towards the Tesla-developed standard.
The RAN, launched in 2022, currently boasts over 400 DC fast chargers across the U.S., with a maximum charging power of 300 kW at select sites. Initially free and exclusive to Rivian owners, the network is now evolving to welcome other EVs.
One of the key advantages of NACS is its smaller, elegant, and lighter design compared to the CCS connector, while maintaining the ability to deliver high charging speeds. Rivian's upcoming models, such as the R2 and R3, will also feature NACS.
The Joshua Tree Charging Outpost in California is the first RAN site to feature both CCS1 and NACS connectors. Four CCS cabinets were swapped out for NACS, leaving eight CCS and four NACS chargers available. Yosemite's popular Outpost will also receive NACS plugs later this summer, joining the Hamptons, New York, which is set to open its NACS-equipped Charging Outpost on August 7.
Rivian's app and in-vehicle infotainment system will continue to provide real-time charger status and connector type availability, as well as notifying users about adapter requirements. This upgrade is part of Rivian's plans to bring NACS plugs to its Charging Outposts in key locations throughout 2025.
By the end of 2025, Rivian aims to retrofit its most frequented stations with both CCS and NACS connectors. It's important to note that the exact total number of upgraded sites is not specified in the available information. The rollout will primarily focus on popular Outpost sites and other key areas, gradually covering multiple locations within the RAN.
Interestingly, Rivian's newer Gen2 vehicles, including the 2026 R1T and R1S, are already equipped with native NACS ports. The shift towards NACS is expected to become the new norm across RAN locations during the industry-wide transition to the Tesla-designed standard.
[1] Source: Rivian Press Release, July 2025 [2] Source: Electrek, June 2025 [3] Source: Green Car Reports, May 2025 [4] Source: Rivian Investor Presentation, April 2025
- As Rivian prepares to retrofit its most frequented charging stations with both CCS and NACS connectors by the end of 2025, electric-vehicle owners might find it convenient to charge their cars at Rivian Adventure Network (RAN) outposts that support the Tesla-developed North American Charging Standard (NACS).
- With Rivian's upcoming models, such as the R2 and R3, featuring NACS, technology integration will play a crucial role in shaping electric-lifestyle choices, as the industry witnesses a shift towards the use of NACS chargers in RAN locations and beyond.
