Question about Rivian and ChargePoint

[rivianguy]

Hi there,

I have yet to charge our R1S on a public charger but am planning a road trip this weekend. I remember when I set up the app it asked me to 'link my account' to ChargePoint (I think). For those of you who have had your Rivian's for a while I'm wondering how this actually works in the wild. I.e. Do you need the 'ChargePoint app' separately to use a ChargePoint station? Is the Rivian app itself enough? What are the steps you go through to actually use the Rivian/ChargePoint integration once you pull up to a ChargePoint charger? Apologies if this has been answered already.

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[Rally1]

Doesn't work, at least for me.

 

[Rally1]

Yes, need the Chargepoint App, on iOS it's a perfectly good app.

 

[rivianguy]

Yes, need the Chargepoint App, on iOS it's a perfectly good app.

So I guess my question is, what exactly did the Rivan/Chargepoint account linking step during the Rivian app setup actually do? I.e. If you need the separate ChargePoint app anyway why do they do this? Thanks in advance.

 

[bd5400]

You do not need the separate chargepoint app. You can initiate a charge within the Rivian app itself.

Reliability, however, can be spotty. I've had issues getting the charger to activate, however on two occasions I've also gotten free charging when that happens (the charge initiation times out in the app and then a minute or two later the charger starts itself).

 

[rivianguy]

You do not need the separate chargepoint app. You can initiate a charge within the Rivian app itself.

Reliability, however, can be spotty. I've had issues getting the charger to activate, however on two occasions I've also gotten free charging when that happens (the charge initiation times out in the app and then a minute or two later the charger starts itself).

Great thank you. Can I trouble you to describe the process for initiating the charge from the Rivian app? First EV and have never charged on a public station yet (only at home so far so no app required.

 

[bd5400]

There is a charging page in the app (lightning bolt symbol at the bottom center) that brings up a map. The map will show you available chargers in your geographic area, including out of network chargers like EA (which you can't initiate through the app).

If you tap on the charger you are interested in, a panel pops up telling you the name of the charger, the distance away, its power, and how many chargers are available.

Tap the panel again and the full charger details page comes up, including pricing. You then select the charger you want and on the next page tap "Start charger". You then wait for the ChargePoint to react and it will tell you to plug into your vehicle. Plug in and then it should start to charge.

Note that you aren't required to use the Rivian app to charge. You can use the ChargePoint app if you prefer, and you'll have to use other apps or pay at the terminal for other networks like EA.

 

[rivianguy]

There is a charging page in the app (lightning bolt symbol at the bottom center) that brings up a map. The map will show you available chargers in your geographic area, including out of network chargers like EA (which you can't initiate through the app).

If you tap on the charger you are interested in, a panel pops up telling you the name of the charger, the distance away, its power, and how many chargers are available.

Tap the panel again and the full charger details page comes up, including pricing. You then select the charger you want and on the next page tap "Start charger". You then wait for the ChargePoint to react and it will tell you to plug into your vehicle. Plug in and then it should start to charge.

Note that you aren't required to use the Rivian app to charge. You can use the ChargePoint app if you prefer, and you'll have to use other apps or pay at the terminal for other networks like EA.

Solid gold. Thanks man!

 

[moosehead]

My experience is same as @bd5400. Chargepoint app makes it seamless, you pre-load your charge card, can see station readyness/availability/charger rate, and it also links to my CP home charger.

Same for EA, with app it is way more reliable and quick and shows our other EV which has 2 years of EA charging credit.

 

[Rally1]

So I guess my question is, what exactly did the Rivan/Chargepoint account linking step during the Rivian app setup actually do? I.e. If you need the separate ChargePoint app anyway why do they do this? Thanks in advance.

Interesting mine would never link, just checking it now and it's linked, however I now get the "setup a phone key" message, one step forward, two steps back. Guessing the app had an update?

 

[Legi0n]

I've done some road trips but am not an expert but getting accounts setup in advance with Chargepoint and EA etc... in advance seem like a problem avoided. I've been places where the app works but the credit card doesn't plus you usually get a better rate with the app. I work at a location where with the app you get four hours free charging if you have the app before you start to pay an hourly fee. Next time I'll try the Rivian app to do this, I've never done it before.

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