Rivian knows when you use an aftermarket NACS adapter?

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Rivian will absolutely know you used a Tesla SC before they sent you an adapter. It's easier for them if you don't go through the Tesla app for billing since the billing would then run through Rivian and they clearly know whether or not your vehicle's VIN was sent an adapter yet. If you activate through the Tesla app then they would have to look at charging status and the location...that their API already keeps track of. Wouldn't be that difficult for them to geofence all the known SCs that work and track charger usage. That said, there are also a number of Magic Dock sites around so they'd have to remove those since anyone with a CCS car can use those sites, and I've tested mine at one billed through Rivian.

If you go charge at a EA, then look at your charging history in the Rivian app, it doesn't say EA. Look up a session at Supercharger (initiated through Tesla app), it looks the same. They can see, if you use plug-n-charge, or try to claim warranty repair after sustaining damage while using an unsanctioned adapter. In addition to seeking info from Tesla, if they really want to, I suppose they can also dig into your vehicle location history. If there is motivation, there is a way.

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[Foobar]

Been using A2Z with no issues or warnings across the Northeast. It’s a passive device so it should be completely transparent.

In any event I’ve also got an EVSportline rock slider which was also said by Rivian to void the warranty.

I also use an extension on my home EVSE which causes me to exceed 25’ which will void the warranty.

oh no. What shall I ever do.

 

[R1Tom]

Been using A2Z with no issues or warnings across the Northeast. It’s a passive device so it should be completely transparent.

In any event I’ve also got an EVSportline rock slider which was also said by Rivian to void the warranty.

I also use an extension on my home EVSE which causes me to exceed 25’ which will void the warranty.

oh no. What shall I ever do.

Those examples are a bit different that burning down a super charger or your truck...but hey....we all take risks daily. I wouldn't hesitate to use the A2Z, but the risk is substantial and people should be aware. 400v will kill and so will an inferno at a Supercharger.

 

[defcon888]

I am in no hurry to get my adapter. We are in California where there are plenty of chargers in locations we would be going to. We went to Disneyland from NorCal back in September (600 miles 1 way) and we had ZERO issues charging. Yes, it would be nice to have had the ability to charge at Tesla back then, but we hit an EA station and a EVGo (at In N Out) and it was flawless.

So, I will be happy to wait until I get the official one....besides, I don't want to spend $$$ on one. I can see if you have that need to want to get one, but for us........we are good!

 

[dmurphy]

I just placed my R1S order; still waiting for delivery. But also have the A2Z adapter on order -- because I know being a brand-new purchase it's going to be a very long time before I see the "official" Rivian adapter.

The R1S is going to replace my current Model S ... and there's absolutely.no.possible.way I'm going without Supercharging access. Frankly, that's why I didn't buy R1S from the beginning.

I also will do anything and everything in my power to not give EA one red cent of my money. What VAG did - both dieselgate and EAgate - is nothing short of criminal IMO. The only form I have of protest is my wallet, and so I plan to reward Tesla and not EA, even if it means using the passive A2Z adapter.

Totally unconcerned about it or warranty implications ... Supercharging rocks and it's worth the minute risk for.

 

[rbrak29]

I wish RJ would chime in about this topic.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I wish RJ would chime in about this topic.

And he'd just repeat the official policy: use the designated adapter only. No reason to speculate or anticipate him to say anything else.

 

[adam12]

I have not tried to use a Tesla supercharger with a Rivian product, But to me there would have be some sort of bluetooth sensor that would have to communicate to the Tesla charger that it is an adapter... otherwise it is just a set of wires in a plastic enclosure. if the latter I doubt a charging station would "know" what you are using. Is there a teardown showing that there is a sensor? I have used a lectron adaptor for level 2 charging without any issue....

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I have not tried to use a Tesla supercharger with a Rivian product, But to me there would have be some sort of bluetooth sensor that would have to communicate to the Tesla charger that it is an adapter... otherwise it is just a set of wires in a plastic enclosure. if the latter I doubt a charging station would "know" what you are using. Is there a teardown showing that there is a sensor? I have used a lectron adaptor for level 2 charging without any issue....

By all accounts, it is just a pass-through adapter. With plug-n-charge, they know based on billing being handled at Rivian's end. Without plug-n-charge, they would need corroborating evidence: obtain information from Tesla, that you initiated a charge through the Tesla app, and also determine that your Rivian was at a Supercharger when the charging session occurred (and that you had not yet been issued the approved adapter).

 

[nellbarr]

By all accounts, it is just a pass-through adapter.

OK I contacted Rivian directly regarding providing a list and verifying when the adapter can be expected. I received the following response which mentions "warranty".

	3:46 PM (34 minutes ago)
to me

Hi Nelida,

I understand you are awaiting your NACS adapter alongside many other Rivian owners and take your concern seriously. At this point of time I have no visibility on what that time line looks like as they are sent out in batches nationwide. We strongly recommend using the Rivian-approved NACS DC Adapter. It's essential to ensure the safety and integrity of your vehicle, as using non-approved adapters may lead to damage and void warranties.

If you opted-in to receive your free adapter, the next step will be an email from us. This email will ask you to confirm your mailing address – indicating your adapter is ready to ship along with a tracking number! Thank you again for your understanding and I thank you personally for being the best part of Rivian.

Your fellow adventurer,

Avar

 

[adam12]

By all accounts, it is just a pass-through adapter. With plug-n-charge, they know based on billing being handled at Rivian's end. Without plug-n-charge, they would need to obtain information from Tesla, that you initiated a charge through the Tesla app and also determine that your Rivian was at a Supercharger (and that you had not yet been issued the approved adapter).

Totally makes sense.. I did order a lectron adapter in January. Haven't even received it yet... probably will send it back...

 

[s4wrxttcs]

I'm wondering if Rivian can tell if you use the wrong adapter?

Like lets say you load up your vehicle with A Tesla Destination charger adapter, and an A2Z Supercharger to CCS adapter.

Then lets say you have a massive brain fart and you use the wrong adapter at a Supercharger?

So far it seems like most of Rivians efforts have been trying to prevent the wrong adapter situation, and not the aftermarket NACS to CCS ones.

Since the adapter is passive there is no way for them to determine which adapter is used. They can only go off of whether you've received the official one or not. But, it pretty easy to acquire an official one if you have a lot of money that you're willing to part with.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Totally makes sense.. I did order a lectron adapter in January. Haven't even received it yet... probably will send it back...

January? Holy cow. I'd just cancel and get the A2Z, 3-4 weeks. Once the official one arrives, the aftermarket one can just be your back up.

I'm wondering if Rivian can tell if you use the wrong adapter?

Like lets say you load up your vehicle with A Tesla Destination charger adapter, and an A2Z Supercharger to CCS adapter.

Then lets say you have a massive brain fart and you use the wrong adapter at a Supercharger?

So far it seems like most of Rivians efforts have been trying to prevent the wrong adapter situation, and not the aftermarket NACS to CCS ones.

Since the adapter is passive there is no way for them to determine which adapter is used. They can only go off of whether you've received the official one or not. But, it pretty easy to acquire an official one if you have a lot of money that you're willing to part with.

If you try to use a J1772 adapter at a Supercharger, it would simply not work. More than one person in this forum have tried and shared their experience. If you did use the "right" adapter and fry your Rivian, they know they've not yet sent you the official adapter. And there'd be questions for you to navigate.

Rivian's "efforts", the legal disclaimer issued by them and Tesla, is aimed at limiting their liability, by limiting use only to the adapter they understand to be the known variable—the one Tesla stands by. Rivian may have tried A2Z or Lectron internally, but to make things simple and to limit financial liability, there is no logical need broaden scope of said liability. Plus, while A2Z and Lectron adapters are shown to be worthy, they are not the only ones available to consumers. There are tons of adapters on the market that make claims but have no substantiation. The disclaimer is meant to be as broad as possible, to guard against as much undesirable outcome as possible. It isn't specifically attributed to NACS to J1772 adapters, but all adapters that isn't the one they and Tesla are issuing.

 

[AllInev]

Just wanted to verify here on the forums, but someone recently posted on Facebook that they received an email from Rivian stating that Rivian was aware they were using an aftermarket NACS adapter and that it would void their warranty if they continued using it.

Anybody else get an email like this?

? Ha! Nope. Rivian is not actively tracking which adapters are being used at the Tesla SC stations. I've loaned my official adapter to folks still waiting for theirs and they're not getting emails from Rivian. I also have an A2Z adapter that I've used and loaned to other R1 families. In short, the Facebook posting is BS.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

? Ha! Nope. Rivian is not actively tracking which adapters are being used at the Tesla SC stations. I've loaned my official adapter to folks still waiting for theirs and they're not getting emails from Rivian. I also have an A2Z adapter that I've used and loaned to other R1 families. In short, the Facebook posting is BS.

Seriously. Why believe anything any rando says online? Besides, I think Rivian has bigger fish to fry than to dedicate employees to monitor every charging session and GPS location of every single vehicle at all times.

The liability issue is a problem only when your activities have caused an incident and you expect them to pay the bill; i.e. when they have reason to look further.

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