Rivian Jumps On Board, Adopts Tesla's NACS Charging Standard

Rivian is the latest manufacturer to adopt Tesla's connector

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Adding to the recent trend of manufacturers endorsing Tesla's charging standard, Rivian has adopted the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This move, expected to take effect in spring 2024 with Rivian users utilizing adapters, is a significant step towards standardizing EV charging infrastructure. Starting in 2025, Rivian vehicles will come equipped with Tesla-style charging ports as a standard feature.

Rivian Joins Ford, GM in Embracing Tesla's Charging Standard

In what seems to be an emerging industry pattern, Rivian follows in the footsteps of auto giants Ford and General Motors, who have recently committed to Tesla's charging standard. Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, voiced his preference for the compactness of Tesla's connector and the opportunity to utilize the existing charging infrastructure that Tesla has painstakingly built.

Rivian, whose share prices have struggled until this key announcement, seeks to capitalize on the customer convenience and operational efficiency offered by Tesla's extensive Supercharger network. This move also implies an anticipated rise in Rivian's stock value, as was observed with Ford and GM after their similar announcements.

Tesla's Supercharger Network Opens Up to More EVs

With Rivian's adoption of the NACS, Rivian customers can look forward to accessing Tesla's 12,000-strong Supercharger network across the US and Canada. Existing Rivian vehicle owners are also set to benefit, with Tesla-designed adapters becoming available in spring 2024.

Tesla’s Charging Leadership - Who's Next?

The wave of adoption surrounding Tesla's NACS seems far from over, with Rivian's decision adding momentum to the trend. Speculation is rife over who will be the next EV manufacturer to join this growing alliance. Notably, Hyundai has indicated an interest in joining this cohort, which could further strengthen the case for NACS and Tesla's leadership in the EV charging landscape.

Tesla's recent traction in setting the industry charging standard reflects the increasingly recognized benefits of the NACS. Several major industry players, including BTC Power and EV charging providers like ABB E-mobility North America, Tritium DCFC, and EVgo, are rushing to add NACS plugs to their charging stations, heralding a potential shift towards widespread standardization.

A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

The acceptance of the NACS by a growing number of automakers is not just a victory for Tesla but for the entire EV industry. A universal charging standard simplifies the charging experience for all EV drivers, further encouraging the transition from internal combustion engines to electric power. Rivian's commitment to the NACS illustrates the company's acknowledgment of this fact, despite its previous endeavours to build its charging network.

The push towards a standardized charging infrastructure could catalyze wider EV adoption by mitigating the charging-related anxieties of potential EV buyers. As more and more car manufacturers follow suit in recognizing Tesla's NACS, the overall landscape of the EV industry is set to change drastically.

This trend may also play a pivotal role in promoting the collaboration and unity needed to achieve carbon neutrality goals worldwide. With Rivian joining the bandwagon and other major players likely to follow, Tesla's NACS continues to set the course for the future of EV charging, one plug at a time.

Tesla’s Referral Program Launches in Europe

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Following its recent launch in the United States and Canada, Tesla has launched their referral program in several European countries as well.

The program is available in Germany, Norway, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and possibly others. The program is almost the same as the one available today in North America, with rewards for each referral and a discount for those referred. The cap in Europe is also ten per year.

This program comes right on the heels of a 0% financing offer for the Model Y in Sweden and France. While referrals aren't currently available in Sweden, the 0% financing still is.

European Referrals

The European Referral program accounts for country and local currency, where applicable.

The referral reward program is comparable to the one available in North America. After exchange rates, there is only an approximately 10% difference between the available rewards in the US and EU.

Other Countries

We expect this program to start rolling out to other European countries over the next few days or weeks, as Tesla continues to expand its referral program.

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Tesla's Android App Lags Behind Apple's: The Missing Features

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Tesla has confirmed that they submit app updates for Android and iOS apps at the same time, but we often see the iOS app updates released first possibly due to a quicker app review process at Apple.

However, we often see features implemented on the Apple version weeks or months before they’re implemented on Android. Today, the Android app is missing several key features, and the gap is starting to become a bit glaring.

Delayed App Updates

The Android app just received update 4.36.6 last night, while the Apple update was available as of September 1st.

That might not seem like a big deal, but in order to use the updated Actually Smart Summon, you’ll need app version 4.36.6, so any Andriod users that received update 2024.27.20 with the new Summon, couldn’t use it until yesterday.

We’re sure Tesla is on it, but it’s disappointing to see that key feature updates take days or a week longer to receive on Android. Apple and Google both offer the ability to set a release date for an app update, so Tesla could coordinate releasing the apps at the same time.

Ultra Wideband Support

Unfortunately, there’s no Ultra Wide Band (UWB) support on Android yet, which is an interesting omission since it’s such a great feature. Most Android phones, flagships, and cheaper phones alike, all support UWB.

Without UWB support Android phones can’t use Tesla’s newest phone key, which is only available for devices that support UWB. The new phone key improves reliability for unlocking the vehicle and setting the correct Tesla driver profile. To support the new phone key, you need a compatible phone (iPhone 11 or newer) and a newer vehicle that supports ultra wideband.

Hands-Free Trunk

Tesla’s new hands-free trunk feature, which allows you to automatically open your trunk by simply standing behind it for a couple of seconds, also isn’t available on Android devices. Tesla’s Hands-Free Trunk requires UWB support too, and Tesla originally mentioned it was coming to Android in May 2024.

For now, those are the features we know of that don’t work on Android today, and we’re hoping that Tesla brings both UWB support, as well as simultaneous app updates to the Google Play and Apple App Store by leveraging each store’s publish date feature.

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