Charging the Rivian R1S electric off-road SUV

Everything drivers need to know about the Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S is an all-electric, luxury SUV with impressive off-road capabilities. Reviewers compare the battery-powered R1S to upscale gas-engine models like the Range Rover and the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon. The closest competitor among electric vehicles (EVs) is the spacious Tesla Model X SUV.

 

The first R1S that became available was the Launch Edition equipped with a 135 kWh battery pack that provides an estimated 316 miles of range. When production of the R1S came into full swing, two other battery options became available—a smaller, affordable Standard battery granting about 260 miles of range as well as a pricier 400 mile Max battery version. R1S models with the two smaller packs will be available in a five-seat configuration—or as a seven-seater for family duties. However, the big-battery R1S variant will come only as a five-seater.

 

Like Rivian Automotive’s first vehicle, the R1T pickup truck, the company’s SUV combines comfort, off-road prowess, and sportscar-like acceleration and handling with 0-to-60 acceleration happening in about three seconds when equipped with a high-performance setup. Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive R1S can rise for 14.9 inches of ground clearance, crawl near-vertical rock grades, and safely wade through three feet of water. Its towing capacity is 7,700 pounds. For more common daily commuting, the R1S is a comfortable and spacious sport utility vehicle. It boasts a refined interior cabin featuring wood trim, leather seats, and two large touchscreen displays.

Federal EV tax credits

Starting in 2022, EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) became eligible for federal tax credits up to $7,500 for new EVs and PHEVS and up to $4,000 for used clean vehicles that met certain battery production and materials requirements. As of 2024, the Rivian R1S Large battery qualifies for federal tax credits of $3,750. Even better, customers can obtain the tax credit as a rebate at point-of-sale, reducing their purchase by the full credit amount.

Charging the Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S provides a level of driving range that matches or exceeds the best electric vehicles on the market. Even the smallest 260 mile battery pack far exceeds average commute distances of about 40 miles per day. The 135 kWh battery pack, which increases the range to an expected 352 miles, makes the R1S SUV a good choice for long-distance road trips. The monster 149 kWh pack offers a class-leading 400 miles of driving between charges.

 

R1S drivers will use the standard SAE J1772 plug for home charging. A home charging station provides juice to an onboard charger rated at 11.5 kW to add 25 to 30 miles of range in an hour. To take full advantage of the 11.5 kW onboard charger, drivers should equip their homes with a 48-amp home charging station, such as the JuiceBox 48. The 48-amp JuiceBox is well suited to charge the R1S because it allows drivers to fully charge the 260-mile R1S version from empty to full in a nine hour overnight session. Given typical daily driving distances, most R1S owners will only need to top up the battery pack for an hour or two every night. The  Max battery, 400 mile R1S—if completely depleted—will take longer to fully recharge, under 13 hours using a 240-volt supply of home power.

Looking for a Rivian R1S charger?

 


 
 

Rivian R1S charging times & range

Model year
Charge rate
Battery size
Charge time on Level 1
Charge time with JuiceBox® 48
All electric range
2022-Present Rivian R1S Standard Battery
11.5 kW
105 kWh
68 hours
8.5 hours
260 miles
2022-Present Rivian R1S Large Battery
11.5 kW
135 kWh
89.5 hours
11 hours
321-352 miles
2022-Present Rivian R1T Max Battery Pack
11.5 kW
149 kWh
99 hours
12.5 hours
400 miles

DC fast charging: CCS Combo

The Rivian R1S's 400-volt system can handle charging speeds of 220 kW to charge up and get back on the road. The Enel X Way JuicePump™ 180-360 kW DC fast charger can deliver the fastest charging speeds for your electric truck, adding 140 miles of range in 20 minutes.

Charge faster, smarter, cleaner with JuiceBox

Rivian R1S home charging stations

JuiceBox

Sign up for news and offers