Photo: rogerismith via Reddit
Rivian was among the first carmakers to announce a deal with Tesla to adopt the NACS standard. Given that the refreshed R1 models are scheduled for delivery in the coming months, people expected them to ship with a NACS charge port. However, recent prototypes showed that Rivian still builds them with CCS plugs.
Rivian has already started trial production of the refreshed R1T and R1S EVs at its Normal, Illinois, factory. The EV startup confirmed this information during Tuesday's first-quarter earnings call. Although it still looks unchanged, the updated model will feature significant modifications under the skin. Most of them are meant to reduce production costs and keep the R1 lineup relevant in an increasingly competitive market.
Given the extensive modifications already introduced with the refreshed R1S and R1T, many people expected they would come with the latest charging technology licensed from Tesla. This includes the NACS charge port, allowing Rivian EVs to charge without an adapter at Tesla Supercharger stations. However, new R1 prototypes were spotted charging from a CCS charger without an adapter, which means that Rivian hasn't yet adopted the new standard.
Rivian has been among the first carmakers to announce a partnership with Tesla in June 2023. As part of this partnership, Rivian owners gained access to select Tesla Supercharger stations in March. Rivian offered complimentary NACS to CCS adapters to all R1S and R1T owners to make this possible. In the second phase, Rivian will adopt the NACS standard and ship its vehicles with an NACS charge port "starting in 2025."
The EV startup confirmed that the upcoming R2 will come with an NACS port but offered no update on the refreshed R1 vehicles. Rivian had all the incentives to make the switch at the same time with the launch of the updated models, but it didn't. This indicates that the contract signed with Tesla includes specific timelines that cannot be disregarded. However, it's unclear how the recent dismissal of Tesla's entire charging department will affect this deal.
Besides the CCS port, the prototype in the pictures shared on Reddit also comes with a new wheel design and no tow hooks. This further confirms that the refreshed R1T and R1S might feature removable tow hooks. They could also become optional, but we'll have to confirm this. Based on previous pictures, including from the production line at the Rivian plant, the R1 lineup will also feature higher-resolution cameras and slightly redesigned headlights and fog lights.
Rivian is expected to make an official announcement about the updated R1 lineup on June 27 during Investor Day. There's a strong Osborne effect risk for the current model, which is why Rivian will probably aim to start deliveries as close as possible to opening the order book.
Given the extensive modifications already introduced with the refreshed R1S and R1T, many people expected they would come with the latest charging technology licensed from Tesla. This includes the NACS charge port, allowing Rivian EVs to charge without an adapter at Tesla Supercharger stations. However, new R1 prototypes were spotted charging from a CCS charger without an adapter, which means that Rivian hasn't yet adopted the new standard.
Rivian has been among the first carmakers to announce a partnership with Tesla in June 2023. As part of this partnership, Rivian owners gained access to select Tesla Supercharger stations in March. Rivian offered complimentary NACS to CCS adapters to all R1S and R1T owners to make this possible. In the second phase, Rivian will adopt the NACS standard and ship its vehicles with an NACS charge port "starting in 2025."
The EV startup confirmed that the upcoming R2 will come with an NACS port but offered no update on the refreshed R1 vehicles. Rivian had all the incentives to make the switch at the same time with the launch of the updated models, but it didn't. This indicates that the contract signed with Tesla includes specific timelines that cannot be disregarded. However, it's unclear how the recent dismissal of Tesla's entire charging department will affect this deal.
Besides the CCS port, the prototype in the pictures shared on Reddit also comes with a new wheel design and no tow hooks. This further confirms that the refreshed R1T and R1S might feature removable tow hooks. They could also become optional, but we'll have to confirm this. Based on previous pictures, including from the production line at the Rivian plant, the R1 lineup will also feature higher-resolution cameras and slightly redesigned headlights and fog lights.
Rivian is expected to make an official announcement about the updated R1 lineup on June 27 during Investor Day. There's a strong Osborne effect risk for the current model, which is why Rivian will probably aim to start deliveries as close as possible to opening the order book.
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