Rivian EV Home Charger Installation
Everything you need to know about charging your Rivian at home.
Finding the best home charger for your Rivian electric vehicle (EV) is essential for maximizing convenience and ensuring your vehicle is always ready for your next trip. This guide explores the best home charging solutions for Rivian EVs, with an in-depth look at various charging levels, compatible charger types, and other considerations for installing level-2 charging solutions.
Understanding Rivian EV Models and Their Charging Needs
Rivian offers two primary EV models that are currently available at this time: the R1T pickup truck and the R1S SUV. Both vehicles are equipped with advanced battery packs that support various charging options.
The R1S and R1T offer up to 410 and 420 miles of range respectively (Max Battery Pack option). Both vehicles offer convenient charging options and access to 32,000+ public chargers across North America including 17,000+ Tesla Superchargers.*¹
Charging Levels and How To Charge Your Rivian
Before understanding the best way to charge your Rivian at home and the amount of time it will take to charge, it is important to understand EV charging levels, connector types, and considerations. Electric charging is usually broken down into three levels:
- Level 1 Charging: Utilizes a standard 120V household outlet. This method provides approximately 2-5 miles of range per hour. It is the easiest at-home charging solution, but is only practical for owners who can charge at-home for extended periods of time and are only driving fairly short distances on a daily basis.
- Level 2 Charging: Utilizes a 240V circuit that is ideally hardwired into your electrical system for the best results. Rivians are rated to charge up to 25–27 miles of range per hour when charging on a Level 2 charger. Installing a Level 2 charger at home is ideal for the average driver, ensuring your Rivian is fully charged overnight.
- Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging): These are the chargers that are primarily found in public charging stations. Rivian's Adventure Network offers peak charging speeds up to 300 kW, resulting in charging up to 140 miles of range in 20 minutes for the R1S and R1T.**1 An excellent option when on long roadtrips or when you're in need of a fast fill up.
Note: Utilizing a Tesla Supercharger to charge your Rivian requires a CCS1 to NACS (North American Charging Standard) adapter. These adapters connect Tesla's proprietary connector to the J1772 inlet on your Rivian providing access to Tesla's fast-charging network, significantly expanding charging options during travel.
Check out this guide to learn more about EV charging levels, advantages of at-home charging, and key differences between level 1 and level 2 EV charging.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Charger for Your Rivian
When it comes to choosing the best level 2 charger for your Rivian EV, there are a few key considerations you should take into account:
Compatibility
Rivian vehicles support Level 2 chargers, which are the most efficient option for home use. Ensuring that your chosen charger meets Rivian’s specifications is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
Connectivity
Modern EV chargers often come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control charging from your smartphone. This feature is helpful for tracking energy usage and scheduling charges during off-peak hours.
Charging Speeds
Most Level 2 chargers can deliver a Rivian up to 25 miles of range per hour, which is perfect for overnight charging. Many L2 chargers support a range of power settings to match your home’s electrical capacity and maximizing your charging speeds.
For the most practical and efficient home charging solution for your Rivian EV, installing a Level 2 charger is highly recommended. There are a variety of chargers that are compatible with Rivian vehicles outside of its proprietary wall charger which offers similar charging speeds at nearly double the cost.
Many quality Level 2 chargers from other manufacturers are compatible with Rivian vehicles and while you may sacrifice native Rivian app features, these options are more budget-friendly while offering fast charging and smart connectivity making them excellent choices for Rivian EVs. Do note, when selecting a third-party charger, it is important to ensure it meets the necessary power requirements and has a J1772 connector, which is standard for most EVs in North America, including current and past model year Rivians.
What is the best Level 2 charger for Rivians?
Emporia Level 2
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger is a great option for Rivian owners. It offers up to 48 amps of power, providing as much as 27 miles of range per hour - the max L2 speed supported by Rivian. This charger is compatible with Rivians which use a standard J1772 connector. The Emporia features Wi-Fi connectivity for monitoring, tracking and scheduling through its mobile app. The Emporia Level 2 charger is a favorite amongst ChargerPro customers who love this reliable, budget-friendly, and well designed home charger for their Rivians.
Tesla Universal Wall Connector
The Tesla Universal Wall Connector is a premium, flexible home charger designed for all electric vehicles, not just Teslas. This charger offers 48 amp output which delivers up to 27 miles of range per hour to your Rivian - maxing out the L2 speed supported by Rivian. It comes equipped with both an integrated J1772 connector and the NACS connector to conveniently charge any electric vehicle, including Rivian R1T and R1S models. Rivian announced that it will be transitioning to NACS in future model year; therefore, the dual charging standard support makes the Universal Wall Connector future proof and provides great flexibility incase your charging needs change.
Installation and Safety Considerations For Home Chargers for Rivian EVs
When installing a home EV charger there are important safety considerations to consider. First and foremost, professional installation by a licensed electrician is a must to ensure the charger is installed correctly and adheres to local electrical codes. Using a professional installation service also ensures your home's electrical system can handle the additional load required to charge your Rivian EV at home.
Upgrading your electrical panel may be necessary to support a 240V circuit for level 2 charging. A licensed electrician or installation service can identify and provide you with that recommendation and your options. When it comes to choosing a location for your home charger for your Rivian EV, it is important to choose a convenient and safe location for the charger, considering factors like weather exposure and proximity to your parking area. Other important considerations include the number of EV vehicles you have and parking habits (indoor or outdoor, back-in vs pull-in if parking in a home garage).
Installing Home Chargers for Rivian EVs With ChargerPro
If you are looking to install a home charger for your Rivian EV, ChargerPro makes installation fast and straightforward. ChargerPro leverages licensed electricians who specialize in EV charging installations, ensuring your home charging setup is safe, reliable, and professionally installed. We offer affordable flat-rate transparent pricing and a simple and efficient process from start to finish which consists of a a few simple steps:
- Schedule your installation - Select your preferred charger (we are happy to provide guidance), choose a date that fits your schedule, and lock in your flat-rate, all-inclusive cost with a fully refundable deposit.
- Consult with one of our experts in EV charging - After scheduling, one of our knowledgeable installation guides will reach out to help. They’ll assist in finding the best spot for your electric car charger, ask you a few simple questions about your electrical panel and where you want to install your EV home charger, answer your questions, and ensure everything is ready for installation day.
- Get Installed: On install day, an experienced, licensed electrician will come to your home and install your charger in about two hours and ensure you are ready to plug in and start charging.
Equipping your home with a reliable Level 2 charger is essential for maximizing the convenience and utility of your Rivian electric vehicle. ChargerPro can provide professional installation services that adhere to safety standards so you can enjoy a worry-free charging experience.
Home Chargers for Rivian Electric Vehicles FAQs
Can you charge Rivian with a Tesla charger?
Yes, you can charge a Rivian with a Tesla Universal Wall Charger which supports the J1772 standard for at-home charging. On the go, Rivians can charge at Tesla SuperChargers, however some older Superchargers will require you to use an appropriate adapter.
Will I need to upgrade my home electrical system to charge my Rivian at home?
You may need to upgrade your electrical panel to install a level 2 EV charger in your home. ChargerPro's certified electricians can evaluate whether an upgrade is necessary, provide guidance on costs, and make a proper recommendation.
What kind of charger can I use to charge my Rivian?
Rivian offers a proprietary level 2 charger for home charging. In addition, there are many level 2 chargers from other manufacturers that are compatible with Rivian vehicles like the highly rated Emporia charger and the Tesla Universal Wall Connector.
Will ChargerPro help with rebates and incentives?
We know rebates and incentives can be challenging to navigate. ChargerPro can offer guidance on what rebates you may be eligible for and point you in the right direction. Here is a great place to get started. You can also check out our guides to learn more about EV tax incentives, rebates, and credits available in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Texas.
*Accessible chargers may require a Rivian-approved adapter.
** Charging speeds vary based on battery capacity, temperature, charger capacity and more.
