Photo: @RivianTrackr via X
Earlier this month, Rivian started internal testing of the 2024.11 update. The most important change was a new scoring system for the charging stations, allowing owners to filter out bad or slow stations. The update has been rolled out to customers, and Rivian has shared more information about the charging scores.
Rivian has been among the first carmakers to strike a deal with Tesla to adopt the NACS charge port. Rivian owners also got access to over 15,000 Supercharger stations as part of the deal. This requires using an NACS to CCS adapter, which Rivian promised to offer its customers for free. This move is part of a bigger push to improve the charging experience. With the latest update, Rivian went further and attached scores to EV charger stations. This allows owners to filter out the least reliable fast chargers.
According to the release notes of the software update that reached customer vehicles as 2024.11.02, the score is based on key factors such as success rate and time it takes to start charging. Rivian offered more details, revealing that its vehicles log key data during charging. This includes the charger's top speed, payment success, and overall charge session success. After enough Rivian drivers have used a given charging site, Rivian dynamically assigns a reliability score from A (the highest) to F (the lowest).
Rivian owners will see a charging station's score in the Rivian app and the vehicle's center display. This works by tapping the charging site icon within the map, the center display, or within a trip plan. The charging station info also includes maximum charging speed capabilities and real-time information about the number of chargers in use whenever available. It also displays the average top charging speed based on actual plug-in data, site details, and pricing information.
The good news is that the new scores will work seamlessly with the trip planner, so drivers won't have to do anything special. The navigation system will steer drivers toward A- and B-ranked stations wherever possible. Lower-ranked stations are only suggested if a higher-rated charger is way off route. Rivian also reveals that charging stations that don't offer a plug-and-charge capability will have a lower score if drivers have had payment issues.
This move might encourage charging networks to improve their reliability scores to stay in business. It's easy to see that the new scoring system will prioritize Rivian's RAN network and Tesla Supercharger, which will all have A ratings. These are, coincidentally, the most reliable charging networks in North America. In most cases, other major networks, like Electrify America, EVgo, etc, will probably get a B rating. The move will benefit Rivian owners but also Rivian, as its charging network will see increased utilization.
It's unclear whether the new scoring system will also be offered in the ABRP app, which Rivian acquired. If the app gets a similar scoring system, owners of all EV brands will have access to the best charging data in the country. Based on the feedback on social media, there is increased interest in such a feature from the owners of other EV brands.
According to the release notes of the software update that reached customer vehicles as 2024.11.02, the score is based on key factors such as success rate and time it takes to start charging. Rivian offered more details, revealing that its vehicles log key data during charging. This includes the charger's top speed, payment success, and overall charge session success. After enough Rivian drivers have used a given charging site, Rivian dynamically assigns a reliability score from A (the highest) to F (the lowest).
Rivian owners will see a charging station's score in the Rivian app and the vehicle's center display. This works by tapping the charging site icon within the map, the center display, or within a trip plan. The charging station info also includes maximum charging speed capabilities and real-time information about the number of chargers in use whenever available. It also displays the average top charging speed based on actual plug-in data, site details, and pricing information.
The good news is that the new scores will work seamlessly with the trip planner, so drivers won't have to do anything special. The navigation system will steer drivers toward A- and B-ranked stations wherever possible. Lower-ranked stations are only suggested if a higher-rated charger is way off route. Rivian also reveals that charging stations that don't offer a plug-and-charge capability will have a lower score if drivers have had payment issues.
This move might encourage charging networks to improve their reliability scores to stay in business. It's easy to see that the new scoring system will prioritize Rivian's RAN network and Tesla Supercharger, which will all have A ratings. These are, coincidentally, the most reliable charging networks in North America. In most cases, other major networks, like Electrify America, EVgo, etc, will probably get a B rating. The move will benefit Rivian owners but also Rivian, as its charging network will see increased utilization.
It's unclear whether the new scoring system will also be offered in the ABRP app, which Rivian acquired. If the app gets a similar scoring system, owners of all EV brands will have access to the best charging data in the country. Based on the feedback on social media, there is increased interest in such a feature from the owners of other EV brands.
In our latest software update:
— Rivian (@Rivian) April 15, 2024
⚡Charging scores for fast-charging sites
⚡In-app messaging with the service center during appointments
⚡Rear display improvements
⚡Navigation feedback
Read more: https://t.co/8Bwe349DTo pic.twitter.com/SyFtr6J0jv
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