A Beginner's Guide to Charging Your Rivian R1S: Tips and Best Practices

[Vincent]

Being a new Rivian R1S owner, one of the features to first understand is how the charging works. Proper charging is critical for a smooth driving experience, and this article is just a simple tutorial that explains how to efficiently charge your R1S.

CHARGING BASICS
There are 3 charging basics to know with regards to charging your R1S. These include

1. Level 1 (120V): This involves the use of a standard household outlet. It provides 2-5 miles of range per hour.

2. Level 2 (240V): The level 2 requires a dedicated 240V charging station. This delivers from 10-20 miles of range per hour.

3. DC Fast Charging: These are high-power charging stations. It adds as much as 100-200 miles of range in 30 minutes.

BEST PRACTICES AND CHARGE TIPS

1. Home Charging: A dedicated 240V outlet is highly recommended to avoid household circuit overload. So installing a level 2 (240V) charging station for home use is way better than the level 1 as it ensures faster charging.

2. Public Charging: Apps such as Plugshare or using Rivian's navigation can help drivers find nearby charging stations with less worry.

3. DC Fast Charging: This is suitable for longer trips, and charging your battery for up to 80% capacity helps to boost optimal battery health.

4. Optimize Charging Sessions: One trick for lower charging costs is charging overnight. As during off-peak hours, energy costs are lower. Also, avoid charging in extreme temperatures too.

5. Monitor Battery Health: Regularly update your battery software for improved battery management and also check our battery level and charging status using the Rivian app.


TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON ISSUES
Here are some tips on how to deal with a couple of charging issues you might face.

1. Check station status and ensure proper connection at charging stations.

2. Contact the Rivian support or vehicle owner's manual for any help or suggestions.

3. Make sure there's a stable internet connection on charging apps.