can other cars use rivian chargers

Question

LeAmy · Accepted Answer

No, other electric vehicles cannot currently use Rivian's dedicated fast chargers, the Rivian Adventure Network. These chargers are built with a proprietary connector that is designed specifically for Rivian's R1T truck and R1S SUV. However, other EVs can use Rivian's Level 2 AC chargers, known as Rivian Waypoints, as they are equipped with the standard J1772 connector that is universal for all non-Tesla EVs in North America.

The key difference lies in the connector type and charging speed. The Rivian Adventure Network provides DC fast charging, which is capable of adding hundreds of miles of range in a very short time. This network uses a custom plug to facilitate these high power levels. In contrast, the Waypoint chargers are for AC charging, which is significantly slower and best for destinations where you'll be parked for several hours, like a restaurant or trailhead.

Rivian has announced plans to open its Adventure Network to other EV brands in the future by adding CCS adapters. This would make their fast chargers accessible to a much wider range of electric vehicles, but a timeline for this rollout has not been confirmed. For now, if you drive a non-Rivian EV, you can confidently use the Waypoint chargers but must rely on other networks like Electrify America or EVgo for fast charging.

Charger Type	Network Name	Connector Type	Compatible Vehicles	Max Charging Speed (Approx.)
DC Fast Charger	Rivian Adventure Network	Rivian Proprietary	Rivian R1T, R1S only	Up to 220 kW
Level 2 AC Charger	Rivian Waypoints	Standard J1772	All non-Tesla EVs (e.g., Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Chevrolet Bolt)	11.5 kW

SavannahAnn · Answer

I was wondering the same thing when I saw a Rivian charger at a trailhead. I drive a Ford Mustang Mach-E, and it worked perfectly. It's important to know which one you're pulling up to, though. The fast chargers are for Rivians only, but the regular ones, the Waypoints, have the same plug my car uses. It's great for topping up while you're out hiking.

StephanieMarie · Answer

Think of it like this: Rivian has two types of chargers. The ones on their Adventure Network are like a private, super-fast fuel pump only for their own trucks. The other type, called Waypoints, are the opposite. They’re the standard public chargers you see everywhere, just installed by Rivian. So if you have a Chevy, Ford, or Hyundai EV, you can use those standard ones, but you'll need a different network for a quick charge.

VanElliana · Answer

From a technical standpoint, the incompatibility stems from the connector and communication protocol. The Rivian Adventure Network fast chargers use a unique physical connector and a handshake that only Rivian vehicles recognize. This is similar to Tesla's Supercharger network. The J1772 standard on the Waypoint chargers, however, is an open industry standard. Any EV built for the North American market, except Tesla without an adapter, is designed to communicate with a J1772 charger, making those universal.

VonAmara · Answer

Yeah, it's a bit of a mixed bag. I see those sleek Rivian fast chargers and wish my Kia EV6 could use them, but it's a no-go for now. The good news is their slower, Level 2 chargers are fair game for everyone. I've used them a few times when I'm spending an afternoon somewhere. Rivian says they'll open the fast chargers up eventually with adapters, which would be a huge win for all EV drivers. For now, I just plan my road trips using other fast-charging stations.