Hey everyone! I’m finally taking delivery of my Rivian R1S next month and I am beyond excited to get it on the road. However, I’m currently stuck trying to figure out the best Level 2 home charging setup. Since the R1S has such a massive battery pack (I went with the Large pack), I want to make sure I choose a charger that can actually top it off efficiently overnight.
I’ve been looking at the official Rivian Wall Charger because I like the idea of it being integrated directly into the vehicle’s app, but I’ve also heard great things about the ChargePoint Home Flex and the Tesla Universal Wall Connector. My main concern is charging speed; since the R1S can handle up to 48 amps, I’m planning on a hardwired installation to get that max 11.5 kW output. My garage is a bit of a tight squeeze, so having a durable, flexible cable that reaches the port easily is a huge plus for me.
I’m a bit torn on whether the brand-specific integration is worth the extra cost, or if a third-party charger might offer better scheduling features or weatherproofing. For those of you who have been living with an R1S for a while, which home charger are you using, and have you found it reliable enough for daily use?
Hi there! I was in your exact shoes last month with my new R1S. Honestly, I went with the Rivian Wall Charger and I've been super happy with it. It’s so nice seeing everything in one app! That said, a buddy uses the ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger and says the cable is way more flexible in the cold. Since you're hardwiring for 48 amps, either works great, but the Rivian one just feels right for the brand experience. FWIW, I haven't had any issues yet! Good luck!
Respectfully, I'd consider another option. While the integration of the Rivian Wall Charger is sleek, I'm a bit cautious about locking yourself into a J1772-only setup right now, especially with Rivian moving toward the NACS standard. Honestly, I've seen too many people regret not future-proofing their garage.
For a technical powerhouse like the R1S, you really want a setup that handles that 48A load without breaking a sweat. Here’s my take:
1. **Future-proofing:** I strongly suggest the Tesla Universal Wall Connector. It has an integrated J1772 adapter, so it works perfectly with your R1S today but will handle any NACS-native EV you get down the road without an annoying dongle.
2. **Cable Management:** In a tight garage, cable flexibility is key. Teh Tesla cable is much thinner and easier to coil than the Rivian one, which can get pretty stiff in the cold.
3. **Thermal Performance:** From a technical standpoint, these units have excellent thermal management.
One warning: make sure your electrician uses 6 AWG wire for that hardwire install to safely hit the full 11.5 kW. I think? dont quote me on that, but double-check your local codes! Hope this helps!
For your situation, I would suggest looking at the Emporia EV Charger Level 2 48 Amp with 24 Foot Cable or the Grizzl-E Classic Level 2 EV Charger 40 Amp. Honestly, I had issues with more expensive units that just didn't hold up in the cold. The Emporia is a steal at around $399 and offers the 48-amp hardwired speed you need, plus great energy tracking. It's way more budget-friendly than the brand-name ones adn just as reliable!
Hi there! Late to the party but I wanted to chime in because I'm a bit of a stickler for the electrical side of things. Honestly, when you're talking about a massive battery like the Large pack in your R1S, you really need to prioritize safety over fancy app integration. Pulling 48 amps continuously for hours is a serious thermal load on your home’s wiring, so I’m glad you’re planning on hardwiring it!
For your situation, I would suggest looking into the Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48 Amp Level 2 EV Charger. It’s one of the most compact units on the market—perfect for a tight garage—and it's incredibly well-built from a safety perspective. It has UL certification and great internal safety monitoring. Plus, it usually retails around $599, which is often cheaper than the brand-specific options.
Another solid, budget-conscious choice is the Autel MaxiCharge Home Electric Vehicle Charger 50 Amp. It's rugged, NEMA 4 rated (great weatherproofing if your garage gets damp), and frequently goes on sale for under $500. Make sure to have a certified electrician check your panel capacity first... I’ve seen people assume they have space only to find out they need a sub-panel. Anyway, back to the charger—be careful with cheap generic brands on Amazon. Stick with something reputable like the Wallbox or Autel to ensure your house stays safe while that R1S tops off! Hope this helps and enjoy the new ride!
I'm pretty new to all this but I actually decided to DIY my install last weekend because I really wanted to save some cash and honestly it was way easier than I thought it would be - you just have to be super careful with the breaker stuff right? I ended up getting the Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home and it's been awesome because the cable is really long and flexible so I can reach the port even when I park a bit crooked in my tiny garage basically. A couple things I figured out while doing mine:
- You really need to make sure your main panel has enough room for a 60-amp breaker because that's what you need for the 48-amp output and I almost forgot to check that which would have been a disaster!
- Try to mount it a bit higher up on the wall so the cable doesn't just sit on the floor and get all dirty and gross you know? It feels so good to have it ready for when the R1S arrives - you're gonna love it! Are you feeling brave enough to try the wiring yourself or is that too scary?