Rivian R1T / R1S charger install — Davis EV Installations

Rivian — 48A real-world cap, not the 80A marketing.

Rivian markets the R1T and R1S as having 80A onboard chargers. In practice, the real-world cap is 48A — Rivian's firmware limits home charging to 48A even though the hardware can theoretically accept more. Network installers don't install 80A circuits for Rivians; the wasted breaker capacity and conductor cost serve no purpose. 48A install is the right scope, period.

ONBOARD CHARGER CAP

48A real-world

MILES / HR @ 48A

29 mi/hr (R1T) · 28 mi/hr (R1S)

TYPICAL INSTALL

Wall Connector · 60A circuit

The 80A myth

Rivian's website lists "11.5 kW onboard charger" for R1T and "11.5 kW onboard charger" for R1S. Math: 11.5 kW ÷ 240V = 48A. The 80A spec referenced in Rivian forums refers to the DC-side capability, not the AC home-charging path. Period.

If you install an 80A circuit and an 80A Wall Connector for your Rivian, it charges at 48A. The extra capacity is wasted. We see Rivian-specific recommendations for 80A install from non-Rivian-specialty contractors regularly; it's wrong.

The right install

48A hardwired Wall Connector (any major brand — Tesla, Wallbox, ChargePoint)
Dedicated 60A breaker
3–5 hour install
$1,290–$1,800 typical

R1T vs R1S — different mph at the same install

R1T (truck) is heavier and less efficient per kWh: ~2.4 mi/kWh, so 48A × 240V = 11.5 kW × 2.4 = 29 mi/hr.

R1S (SUV) is slightly more efficient: ~2.3 mi/kWh, so 48A × 240V = 11.5 kW × 2.3 = 28 mi/hr.

Quad-motor trims of either model get ~5–8% fewer miles per kWh — closer to 25 mi/hr.

If your installer recommends 80A for a Rivian: ask them to show the math. Rivian's actual onboard AC capability is 48A. Network installers won't waste your money on circuit capacity you can't use.