Of course, as electric vehicles (EVs) are taking over the roads like never before, this leads to a big question for all these EV drivers: Is the Rivian charger the same as the Audi charger? A major hassle for EV owners seeking simple, one-tap solutions on the road is charging compatibility.
Whether you are a Rivian or Audi owner, deciding what EV to get that fits your lifestyle and not even knowing where these chargers are is an important thing. Today, we will discuss the primary differences and similarities between Rivian chargers and Audi to make an educated guess.
Key Takeaways
- Rivian and Audi use different charging networks but share some overlapping technologies.
- Audi vehicles rely heavily on Electrify America, while Rivian has its Adventure Network.
- Compatibility depends on connector types, charging stations, and other technical factors, which we’ll discuss in detail.
The Rise of Rivian and Audi Electric Vehicles
The electric vehicle demand is on the rise and with it has come a lot of new EV brands, all vying to break into a packed space. It’s Rivian and Audi: the first is a producer of electric vehicles, which we met in another take on how to deliver a seamless EV experience; American startup Rivian is targeting adventure-oriented electric vehicles with the R1T truck and R1S SUV.
With chargers that are built for rough weather, they can be conveniently used to power the way during long road trips through a variety of terrains. A German automaker, Audi for its part has done the opposite of Tesla and linked up its electric lineup (e-tron series) in a decentralized universe that promotes streamlining as well as reliability.
Both brands take different paths with charging networks, however, which leads to the question: Could Rivian EV use Audi Chargers, and can it on other way around? It is not as simple of a question to answer and can be looked at from the technical side (what are the differences between level 2 and DC fast charging?) as well as from a practical perspective.
Charging Networks: Electrify America vs. Rivian Adventure Network
Key to whether or not Rivian chargers are Audi chargers is each company’s charging networks.
- Electrify America: Audi’s electric vehicle fast-charging network offers the largest coverage area in all of North America. There’s even a fast charger here, with CCS (read: Audi-friendly Combined Charging System) connectors from Electrify America.
- Rivian has developed its charging grid that it’s calling the Rivian Adventure Network, with a clear emphasis on wilderness locations to serve its outdoors-oriented client base.
Although some of the same connector types as Electrify America can in many cases be used by Rivian vehicles, not all EA chargers belong to Audi owners. The Rivian Adventure Network, meanwhile, is primarily for Rivians and comes with infrastructure tailored to work even in out-of-the-way spots.
Charging Connector Types and Compatibility
In deciding whether two different electric vehicle (EV) brands can use the same charger, connector types are among the most obvious concerns our readers note. Rivian and Audi both support CCS, quickly becoming the de facto standard for DC fast charging in North America.
Rivian Charging Connectors
The Rivian utilizes CCS connectors, which work with some other EV models as well; and especially the Adventure Network chargers. That said, Rivian-branded EV home chargers—including the Rivian Wall Charger—usually have been optimized to work most efficiently with their vehicles.
Charging Audi’s
Electric vehicles also use CCS charging connectors, which can be easily served by the vast majority of public stations with this connection. Audi e-tron models can be going to come with Level 2 options for home garage charging, including wall boxes that provide overnight-delivered worry-free charging in addition to CCS.
Similar charging connector standards mean that in theory (assuming the charger is an open third-party network like Electrify America), a Rivian could use the same charge station as an Audi. Rivian owners are prioritized, but using Rivian’s proprietary Adventure Network chargers may involve a bit more planning.
Speed and Performance: How Do Rivian and Audi Chargers Compare?
The speed of charging is another important factor when the Rivian chargers are compared to Audi chargers. Rivian says its Adventure Network will deliver DC fast charging speeds of up to 200 kW, which would enable drivers to add around 140 miles in just a matter of about 20 minutes.
This is great for extended drives where the priority might be efficiency and pace. Meanwhile, Audi’s e-tron models have similar charging speeds as the brand announced that its first wave of electric vehicles would be ready for up to 150-kW fast charging via Electrify America. In terms of real-world driving, this will see an Audi e-tron top to about 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.
Though, those differences may not mean much for normal users yes the ones mulling to take them on a long ride or trying some of their adventurist creds maybe reading too deep into these nuances.
Can You Use Rivian Chargers for Audi EVs?
One of the burning questions is whether Audi electric vehicles can be charged using Rivian chargers. This question is specific to the type of charger and charging locations.
- Rivian Public Chargers: Many Rivian public chargers are CCS compatible, so Audi models could use these stations unless they’re somehow locked to exclusive use by Rivians. However, the Rivian Adventure Network does focus on servicing those owning a Rivian primarily, so this can put some limitations out there in practice.
- Home Chargers Level 2: Rivian wall charger for home recharging setup is designed by them to charge their vehicles at the most optimal settings, but it may require tweaking if you have a non-Rivian car like an Audi.
Tesla’s use of standard J1772 plugs makes sense when comparing charging systems across all EVs. Conversely, Audi e-tron models had no problem taking advantage of public (Electrify America) chargers or Level 2 home solutions.
Differences in Charging Infrastructure Development
How Rivian and Audi have built up their charging networks is another differentiator.
- Rivian: Rivian is focusing its charging network on outdoor destinations, campgrounds, and off-road trails. It is the infrastructure that aligns with the brand’s adventure-driven nature while being tailored to meet the needs of people doing more than driving less-traveled roads.
- Metropolitan Focus from Audi: Rather than relying on higher-speed, single-purpose units capable of rapid charge only when power levels are low, the network partnership between Electrify America and Audi ensures a much more metropolitan focus that would be convenient for plugging to get electrons while you’re at work or out for an afternoon in town.
Which is worth considering for Audi.com people who might not be able to find a Rivian Station all that easily, especially in more rugged or less urbanized areas where those stations tend to pop up?
Cost Comparison: Is There a Difference in Charging Cost?
One more thing electric vehicle owners have to think about is the price of charging.
Rivian
Among the closest to announcing actual pricing is Rivian, which has said that its Adventure Network will have competitive rates—though it’s not always clear what those might be. Further, subscription-based models can provide reduced costs for those who use the services often.
Audi Charging Cost
Drivers can receive special charging rates or even free access for a certain time through Electrify America when driving an Audi, as long as the network is partnered with via a purchase agreement.
However, the cost to charge can vary drastically like anything with how you structure it. Consumers considering a Tesla or Rivian should also look at the potential expenses, particularly if driving quite often. The cost of these things could play an important part in their total expenditure over time.
User Experiences and Practical Examples
So, it is a good idea to hear directly from the users’ experience and be real about what you can expect when using Rivian or Audi chargers. According to online forums and user reviews, the consensus is as follows:
- Rivian Owner’s Favorites are that Chargers are available in outdoor scenarios ONLY, which serves “the world rather off-roading people,” not affecting them very much.
- Audi Owners In addition to home charging, Audi Owners frequently note the convenience of being able to charge along highways and often at commercial locations using Electrify America.
Several cite compatibility between Electrify America and Rivian but also suggest that using the Audi with Rivian’s Adventure Network likely will require patience if it ever happens, as fast-charging spots are prioritized for the latest Rivians.
Future Trends: Is It the Future Already?
The universal, open-charging model is well on its way to being the plateau for EV drivers charging in public. Ultimately, standardization efforts led by organizations like CharIN hold the promise of allowing every EV owner to use any charging station without issue.
- Common Charging Standards As common standards are being actively worked on, soon it may not matter if a charger is for Rivian or Audi.
- Government Initiatives Finally, some countries are expanding and pushing greater infrastructure development by bringing more brands together to ensure charging accessibility for most.
In the end, that would allow for a common ecosystem across all EVs—a world with more shared networks and standardized connectors delivering an equally seamless user experience no matter which brand of electric vehicle you drive.
Conclusion
So in other words, while both Rivian and Audi are CCS advocates; their charging networks and purposes are different. Rivian caters with its Adventure Network to that more rugged crowd, and Audi does so by way of accessing the ambitious Electrify America network, far easier for those in or close to some urban areas.
There is some compatibility, but the differences in infrastructure and charger design mean that they are not all Audi chargers or Rivian chargers respectively. What is your experience with Rivian or Audi chargers for EVs? Please share your experience with us. To learn more about EVs, charging solutions and electric future visit us today.