Rivian is making steady progress in its mission to unify the electric vehicle charging experience across North America. The company is actively retrofitting its proprietary DC fast-charging infrastructure, known as the Rivian Adventure Network (RAN), to replace aging CCS connectors with Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS).
As pointed out by @AlejandroEV66, recent data shows that at least 23 Rivian Adventure Network sites — roughly 16% of the entire network — have now been retrofitted with NACS connectors. This means EV drivers with NACS ports can simply plug in without needing a bulky adapter. You can even track the progress yourself through a live list of NACS-equipped RAN sites to see which locations have made the switch.
The Shift to the North American Charging Standard
Rivian’s journey toward NACS began back in 2023 when the company officially joined the growing list of automakers adopting Tesla’s connector. At the time, Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said, "We’re excited to work with Tesla and to see collaborations like this help advance the world toward carbon neutrality. The adoption of the North American Charging Standard will enable our existing and future customers to leverage Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network while we continue to build out our Rivian Adventure Network."
As part of this commitment, Rivian announced that all R1 vehicles from 2025 onwards would be equipped with native NACS ports. This transition also paved the way for the long-awaited R2 midsize SUV, which is built on a completely new platform and will feature a built-in NACS port when it launches later this month. The R2 is also expected to be a tech powerhouse, utilizing next-generation eSIM technology for constant connectivity.
Converting the Adventure Network
While Rivian owners have already gained access to Tesla’s massive Supercharger network, the company is still focused on its own branded charging experience. Reports from the field, such as those from @RivianUpdates, show that stations are being converted overnight. In one instance, a station that was entirely CCS1 one day had four of its fourteen stalls converted to NACS by the next.
@RivianUpdates
This retrofitting process is crucial for the company's future. By equipping its own stations with NACS, Rivian ensures that its newest vehicles — and those from other manufacturers like Ford or GM — can charge seamlessly. While the company is also exploring wireless charging to potentially eliminate ports altogether in the future, the immediate focus is clearly on standardizing the plug-in experience.
A More Convenient Future
Standardizing on NACS is a win for everyone. It reduces the "range anxiety" often felt by new EV owners and simplifies the hardware needed in the vehicle. As more RAN sites come online with the new connectors, the distinction between "Tesla charging" and "everyone else" will continue to fade.
Rivian is positioning itself as a leader in this transition, ensuring that whether you’re driving an original R1T or the upcoming R2, finding a fast, reliable charge is easier than ever.
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Rivian’s highly anticipated R2 just picked up another quiet but meaningful technological win ahead of its full pricing and configurator reveal (R2 specs). Rivian is doubling down on ensuring parts commonality between the initial version destined for North America and future versions destined for Europe and the Asia-Pacific markets by integrating next-gen eSIM hardware.
Rivian has announced it is collaborating with the Munich-based firm Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) and AT&T in North America to equip the R2 with this tech that’s currently available on modern flagship devices.
With this partnership, the R2 will be one of the first vehicles in the world to launch with GSMA SGP.32-enabled eSIM technology and 5G connectivity out of the box. While cellular hardware updates rarely make front-page headlines, this specific integration is a massive win for Rivian.
The Power of SGP.32
To understand why this matters, just think about the logistical nightmare legacy manufacturers face when selling connected cars internationally. Manufacturers generally need to manage multiple hardware variants to accommodate the specific cellular networks available in various countries.
The newly finalized SGP.32 eSIM standard, built specifically for automotive and IoT applications, eliminates that friction and simplifies standardization. This architecture allows Rivian to utilize a single global hardware SKU, meaning that as the R2 expands into new international markets, no new hardware is required.
Rivian can seamlessly add or swap Mobile Network Operator (MNO) partners entirely over the air, without ever needing to touch the physical hardware inside the vehicle. For a company that is actively scaling its operations and looking to push the R2 into markets outside of North America, this remote management infrastructure is a game-changer.
The AT&T Connection
While G+D is providing the eSIM hardware and remote management capabilities, AT&T will serve as Rivian’s initial mobile network provider in the United States. AT&T’s 5G network will power the R2’s connected services, from streaming entertainment to local hotspotting and navigation.
Software-Defined Vehicle
Ultimately, the R2 is designed to be a software-defined vehicle that constantly improves throughout its lifecycle. That means its connectivity must function everywhere, no matter what country it's sold in.
Simplifying the parts pipeline from dozens of regional SKUs to just a single global part makes vehicle assembly incredibly simple and helps to future-proof before volume production begins.
Rivian is heading back to Austin this month, and they aren't just showing up as a guest. The electric automaker has returned as the headline sponsor for SXSW 2026, the massive annual festival that blends film, interactive media, and music.
The timing is perfect, as the event falls right on the heels of the official R2 unveiling set for March 12. From March 13 to 18, Rivian will transform its flagship Austin space at 208 S. Congress Ave into the "Electric Roadhouse". This central hub will host panels, live music, and exclusive events, but the real star of the show will be the R2 midsize SUV, which will be on display for the public to explore in person and even ride for the first time.
What to Expect From the Rivian R2
The R2 is easily Rivian’s most important vehicle to date, built on an entirely new platform that is much lighter than the R1S. Rivian is targeting a starting price of roughly $45,000 for the single-motor base model, making it a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y.
If you're looking for performance, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive Launch Edition is expected to be the first to roll off the line. It features an 87.4 kWh battery pack, putting out 656 horsepower and hitting 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds. The R2 also includes clever utility features like front seats that fold totally flat for car camping and a rear window that rolls completely down into the tailgate. It even features a native NACS charging port, ensuring it can use Tesla’s Supercharger network right out of the box.
The R2 Electric Joyride Event
For those who want to do more than just look at a stationary car, Rivian is bringing back its popular "Electric Joyride" event at the 800 Block of Congress. This custom off-road course is built right in the middle of downtown Austin, allowing attendees to experience the SUV's capabilities from the passenger seat.
Rivian Wave
An expert driver will navigate the R2 through steep hills, sharp turns, and uneven ground. The Joyride event runs daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, though hours vary slightly on March 14 and March 18. You can book a spot in advance or simply hop in line while exploring the festival. Just keep in mind that riders must be at least 9 years old and are required to sign a liability waiver.
More Than Just a Car Show
The Electric Roadhouse isn't just about hardware; it's a full cultural experience. Attendees can enjoy live music from local bands curated by KUTX from March 13-15 or relax in the hospitality lounge with coffee served off the tailgate of an R1T.
Tech fans should also look out for the "Are You Faster than a Robot?" challenge. This autonomous robot event will be conducted jointly by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe and YouTuber Mark Rober, officially kicking off the new partnership between Rivian and Rober’s CrunchLabs.
With volume R2 production slated for mid-2026, this SXSW showcase is the perfect way for the public to get a feel for the vehicle that will define Rivian’s next chapter. If you’re in Austin this month, the Electric Roadhouse is a stop you won't want to miss.
