Tag: NACS charging

  • Rivian R2 Seen at Tesla Supercharger with NACS Port Ahead of 2026

    Rivian R2 Seen at Tesla Supercharger with NACS Port Ahead of 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Rivian R2 SUV will feature a native NACS charging port, allowing direct use of Tesla Superchargers without an adapter.
    2. Production of the R2 is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with an estimated starting price of around $45,000.
    3. The R2 is designed to be more affordable for a wider audience compared to the pricier R1T and R1S models.
    4. Rivian plans to integrate NACS across all 2026 R1 models, enhancing charging convenience for users.
    5. A $5 billion manufacturing plant is under construction in Georgia, expected to open in 2028, supporting Rivian’s expansion.


    A recent update on Rivian’s forthcoming R2 SUV has surfaced on X, courtesy of @RivianUpdates and credited to @Chrisediting. The new images showcase that the R2 features a native NACS charging port positioned on the rear driver’s side, mirroring the setup seen in Tesla vehicles. This indicates that the R2 will have the capability to utilize Tesla Superchargers directly, eliminating the necessity for an adapter.

    Production Timeline and Pricing

    The production of the SUV is set to kick off in the first half of 2026, with a starting price around $45,000. The EV manufacturer aims to design the R2 for a wider audience compared to the pricier R1T truck and R1S SUV.

    As per the company’s production schedule, the installation of equipment is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025, which will be followed by a phase of testing and validation.

    NACS Adoption for Rivian

    Up until now, R1 owners had to use NACS-to-CCS adapters to access Tesla’s Superchargers, making this the inaugural Rivian model caught with an integrated NACS port.

    Financial analyst Andres Sheppard from Cantor Fitzgerald pointed out that the R2 is projected to have production costs that are less than half of those for the R1 series. Nevertheless, although Rivian aims for a base price of $45,000 for the entry-level model, it might launch with a higher-end variant first, similar to the approach taken by Lucid with their Gravity SUV.

    Future Plans and Charging Options

    Rivian is also fully committing to NACS integration. In July 2024, the firm declared that every 2026 R1 model will be equipped with native NACS ports, while Quad-Motor R1s will include a free CCS adaptor. Supercharger sites will be integrated into Rivian’s navigation system, providing information about charging speeds and availability. Drivers will enjoy seamless charging with automatic billing, akin to what Tesla users experience.

    Additionally, Rivian has recently started construction on a $5 billion manufacturing plant in Georgia, which is projected to open in 2028.

    Source:
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  • 2026 Lexus RZ: Tesla Charging, 300-Mile Range, Simulated Shifts

    2026 Lexus RZ: Tesla Charging, 300-Mile Range, Simulated Shifts

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 2026 Lexus RZ SUV features a longer driving range, with the 350e trim offering up to 300 miles on a single charge.
    2. It introduces a new NACS charging plug, allowing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network and faster charging times.
    3. The RZ is available in three trims: 350e, 450e, and the new 550e F Sport, with varying power outputs and performance specs.
    4. The 550e F Sport has a stronger motor (402 hp) and a 76.96 kWh battery but has a reduced driving range of 225 miles.
    5. The North American version will not include the steer-by-wire system, which is available in the European model, but will feature Toyota’s M Mode for enhanced driving responsiveness.


    Lexus North America has announced the details of the 2026 Lexus RZ SUV, which sees several improvements. It boasts a longer driving range, a new NACS plug, a stronger motor, a quicker AC charger, and simulated gear shifts. However, it seems this updated model will not include steer-by-wire, a feature that is available in Europe.

    Trim Options and Performance

    The RZ will be available in three different trims: the 350e, 450e, and the new 550e F Sport. The 350e offers the best driving range at 300 miles, powered by a 74.69 kWh battery pack. Its FWD drivetrain will deliver 221 hp, which is about 10 percent more than the 2025 model, allowing it to reach 60 mph from a stop in 7.2 seconds.

    Power and Range Trade-offs

    The 450e shares the same battery but comes with an additional electric motor on the rear wheel. This setup offers 308 hp, enabling a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds. However, this increased power means a reduced driving range, as it can only manage 260 miles on a full charge.

    Enhanced Features

    The new 550e F Sport features a slightly bigger 76.96 kWh battery and two motors that produce a total of 402 hp. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds. Nonetheless, potential buyers might see the 225-mile driving range as a considerable trade-off.

    Lexus is also integrating Tesla’s NACS charging system into the 2026 RZ, enabling it to use widely available Superchargers. The SUV can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in under 30 minutes. All trims will feature 11 kW AC charging, which is an improvement from the previous 7 kW in the older models.

    Missing Features

    One notable absence in the North American specifications is the steer-by-wire system, which would have allowed the steering wheel or yoke to control the front wheels without a physical connection. This feature has been confirmed for the European variant.

    However, buyers of the 550e F Sport trim in North America can look forward to Toyota’s M Mode, a virtual gear shift setting that the manufacturer claims will enhance the sportiness and responsiveness of the electric vehicle.

    Source:
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