Rivian Aligns with Tesla: Charge Ports Shift to Left Rear in R2 Models Amid EV Industry’s Placement Debate

The charging point for Rivian's R2 model shifts to the back left side, similar to Tesla's position

The automotive industry remains divided on the optimal placement for electric vehicle charging ports, with choices varying from the front to the back or either side of the vehicle. However, it seems that Tesla's consistent choice for the rear left side has influenced another American electric vehicle manufacturer, Rivian.

Information surfaced on Thursday via Rivian Forums about the company's decision to change the placement of the charging port on its upcoming electric vehicles. During a showcase at the Rivian Space in Pasadena, California, where the R2 and R3X models were on display, a company executive verified that the charging ports would be relocated from their existing position at the right rear of the vehicles.

A representative from Rivian has verified to Green Car Reports on Friday that the charging interface for the R2 model will indeed be positioned at the back on the driver's side. They expressed eagerness to disclose additional details and specifications about the R2 at a later date.

Sighting of a Rivian R1T using a Tesla Charging Station

Are R1 drivers facing difficulties when charging at Supercharger stations?

It appears that the positioning of the charging port on Rivian's R1S and R1T vehicles—located on the vehicle's left side, near the driver's door—might be causing some inconvenience for their owners at Tesla Supercharger sites. Numerous YouTube videos and online forum discussions showcase Rivian drivers having to maneuver their vehicles in unconventional ways to successfully connect their cars to the Tesla charging cable.

In June of the previous year, Rivian acknowledged that it would be utilizing the charging port design pioneered by Tesla, known as J3400, aligning with the North American Charging Standard (NACS). The new R2 and R3 vehicle series were showcased for the first time in March, featuring the Tesla-style charging port discreetly placed behind smaller-sized doors at the back right side of the cars, a change from the larger CCS ports. Following this, in March, Rivian declared its intent to distribute complimentary NACS adaptors to owners of the R1 series, with deliveries starting in April. Consequently, Rivian's navigation has been updated to include Supercharger locations.

Presently, the United States is home to 2,321 sites equipped with Tesla's Supercharger stations, providing a total of 26,217 individual charging connectors, as stated by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Adapter for Rivian's North American Charging Standard

The placement of the charging port at the back right side of Rivian's vehicles, starting with the debut of the $45,000 R2 model along with its more compact and budget-friendly counterparts, the R3 and R3X, has been strategically chosen for ease of charging along the curb. Rivian representatives hinted during the March unveiling that this design is particularly well-suited for European street charging, a market they aim to tap into. They also anticipate this feature will become vital in American cities in the future. All these vehicles share the same advanced platform and belong to the same family of products.

Rivian's Second Model

Jeff Hammoud, the chief designer at Rivian, answered further inquiries regarding the positioning of the charging port, emphasizing that the company had thoroughly considered the placement beforehand.

Hammoud mentioned to a few attendees, Green Car Reports among them, that their team conducted extensive studies, particularly focusing on European countries with left-hand traffic. He observed numerous instances of electric vehicles being charged on public roads, with charging cords draped across car bonnets to reach the charging port on the opposite side. The team aimed to address this issue.

Hammoud explained that locating the charging port at the back of the vehicle, as opposed to the front, results in a reduction of wiring, weight, and expense. Moreover, he mentioned that Rivian's existing charging infrastructure is designed for the R1's front left spot, and he pointed out, "If you reverse the car into the spot, the position is virtually identical."

Unveiling of the Rivian

Emphasizing the information that Rivian has made official compared to what remains unverified, at this point, the change of production site has been officially acknowledged only for the R2 model, with no firm confirmation regarding the R3.

Selecting a Tesla site for the R2 implies that the high number of charging occurrences at Tesla's Supercharger stations could be a beneficial exchange for clientele, and possibly enhance the brand's reputation. By accommodating upcoming, broader-market cars within the Supercharger network, it paves the way for increased usage and income at Tesla's charging points. The question remains if other car manufacturers will take a similar path.

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