Rivian confirms relocation of R2 charging port for Tesla Supercharger use

The cheaper Rivian R2 is easier to connect to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. Rivian confirmed that the R2 will have a driver-side charging port, making it compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Anticipation is already building for Rivian’s next-generation vehicle. In March, Rivian unveiled the R2, its new midsize electric crossover designed to bring the brand to the mass market.

With a starting price of $45,000, the R2 is nearly half the price of Rivian’s current R1S and R1T models, which start at $75,900 and $69,900, respectively. Despite its smaller size, the electric SUV is designed for “big adventures and everyday use.”

The brand promises that R2 still has the essence of Rivian, but in a smaller, more affordable package.

At 4,715 mm long, 1,700 mm high and a wheelbase of 2,935 mm, the R2 is significantly smaller than the R1S (5,100 mm x L, 1,873 mm x H, 3,075 x wheelbase). However, thanks to the flexible interior, the smaller electric SUV still offers space for equipment for your camping trip or other adventures.

The R2 has a significant fan base. According to Tim Fallon, Rivian’s Vice President of Manufacturing, the R2 has “well over 100,000 pre-orders” and that number continues to grow “organically.”

Rivian R2 charging port is relocated for use with Tesla Supercharger

Now we learn that Rivian will move the R2’s charging port to the driver’s side to make it easier to use at Tesla Superchargers.

Accordingly RivianForumsRivian executives confirmed that the charging port on the production R2 will be on the driver’s side. The announcement was made at Rivian’s Pasadena Space, where the company showed off its R2 and the even smaller and cheaper R3 and R3X models with three motors.

Rivian is taking the R2 on a tour of the US. If you want to see it for yourself, the R2 will be featured in:

• Pasadena: August 8-11
• San Francisco: 24-25 August
• Vancouver, B.C.: 2-7. September
• Portland: September 12-24
• Nashville: October 3-7
• NYC: October 11-13
• Boston: October 17-21
• Austin: November 7-11
• Laguna: 13-17 November
• Los Angeles: November 21 – December 1
• Detroit: January 10-20
• Chicago: February 8-12
• Toronto: February 14-23

Rivian plans to begin production of the R2 models at its Normal, Illinois plant in early 2026. At 155,000 units per year, R2 production is expected to be nearly double that of the R1S and R1T.

Although Rivian’s R2 has been compared to the Tesla Model Y due to its size and price, CEO RJ Scaringe promises it is “worlds different.”

Scaringe explained that there are “maybe two or three” good options for a mid-size electric SUV in the U.S., and one of them is Tesla’s Model Y. The Rivian CEO said that many companies “follow the leader” with the Model Y and end up releasing inferior versions. According to Scaringe, the R2 will conquer its own segment.

Rivian posted a new clip of its vehicles driving past the front of its Pasadena Space, giving a good idea of ​​the size of the R2 and R3 compared to current models.

Electrek’s opinion

Since some Rivian owners are already hosting Tesla NACS users, it is understandable why the charging port needs to be moved to the driver’s side.

In some cases I have already seen Rivian owners taking up two charging spots. Normally this is not a problem as other charging stations are free, but I could imagine it becoming one when the network opens up to other brands.

For example, I’ve seen several Ford Lightning owners try to squeeze in to charge and have no choice but to take up two spaces.

Most automakers have already announced that their next-generation electric cars will have charging ports on the driver’s side, and Rivian’s R2 is the latest addition to the movement.

Source: RivianForums