ev-charging

Charging Cable - Level 1

for 2023 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers the replacement of the Level 1 (120V) portable charging cable for the 2023 Rivian EDV 500 electric delivery van.

Warnings

⚠️Disconnect the 12V battery and wait 5 minutes before beginning work to allow capacitors to discharge. High voltage components remain energized even when vehicle is off.

⚠Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the charging cable internal components. Cable assembly must be replaced as a complete unit if damaged.

⚠Ensure charging cable is not plugged into wall outlet or vehicle charge port during removal or installation.

ℹ️The Level 1 charging cable is stored in a dedicated compartment in the rear cargo area of the EDV 500.

Tools required

Trim panel removal tool setEssential

T25 Torx driverEssential

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

Panel pry tool

Multimeter

Cable tie gun with ties

Parts

Level 1 portable charging cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
Cable retention clips × 4 — Use OEM specification
Cable management tie wraps × 6 — UV-resistant nylon

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Ensure vehicle is powered off and key fob is at least 15 feet away
Disconnect 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes
Verify charging cable is unplugged from both wall outlet and vehicle charge port
Open rear cargo doors and locate charging cable storage compartment on driver side wall
Document existing cable routing and retention clip locations with photos for reference

Procedure

1
Access charging cable storage compartment
Remove the cargo area trim panel covering the charging cable compartment. Use trim removal tools to release the 6 plastic clips around the perimeter. Start at the bottom edge and work upward to avoid breaking clips. Set panel aside in a protected area.
2
Disconnect cable from vehicle connector
Locate the charging cable vehicle-side connector mounted to the bulkhead behind the storage compartment. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull the cable connector straight out from the vehicle receptacle. Do not twist or bend the connector during removal.
3
Remove cable retention hardware
Remove the four T25 Torx screws securing the cable retention bracket to the compartment wall. Carefully release the cable from the rubber retention clips along its routing path. Note the routing for reinstallation.
4
Cut cable management ties
Use side cutters to carefully cut the factory cable ties securing the charging cable along its route. Count and document the number and locations of ties for proper reinstallation. Avoid cutting into the cable insulation.
5
Remove charging cable assembly
Carefully extract the entire charging cable assembly from the storage compartment. Guide the cable connector end through the opening first, then coil the cable as you remove it to prevent tangling. Inspect the storage compartment for any debris or moisture.
6
Inspect mounting points and connectors
Examine the vehicle-side charging connector for any signs of corrosion, damage, or pin deformation. Check all cable routing clips and brackets for damage. Clean the connector with electrical contact cleaner if any contamination is present. Replace any damaged clips or brackets before installing new cable.
7
Route new charging cable
Begin routing the new Level 1 charging cable assembly through the storage compartment following the documented path from preparation. Start with the vehicle connector end, ensuring the cable follows the factory routing channels and does not contact any sharp edges or moving components.
8
Connect cable to vehicle connector
Align the charging cable connector with the vehicle-side receptacle, ensuring proper pin alignment. Push firmly until you hear and feel the locking tab engage. Gently tug on the cable to verify it is securely locked in place.
9
Install cable retention hardware
Secure the cable using the retention bracket and four T25 Torx screws. Position the cable in all rubber retention clips along its route, ensuring proper clearance from moving parts and heat sources. Cable should be snug but not under tension.
10
Install cable management ties
Install new UV-resistant cable ties at the documented locations to secure the charging cable along its routing path. Tighten ties snug but not overtight to avoid damaging cable insulation. Trim excess tie material flush.
11
Reinstall storage compartment trim
Position the cargo area trim panel and align all mounting clips with their receptacles. Press firmly around the perimeter starting at the top and working down until all clips are fully seated. Verify panel is flush and secure.

Reassembly

Reconnect the 12V auxiliary battery negative terminal
Verify all trim panels are properly secured and aligned
Ensure no tools or parts remain in the cargo area
Close rear cargo doors

Verification

Power on the vehicle and verify no warning messages appear on the driver display
Remove the Level 1 charging cable from its storage compartment and visually inspect for proper coiling and condition
Plug the Level 1 charging cable into a standard 120V household outlet and verify the cable status light illuminates
Connect the charging cable to the vehicle charge port and confirm charging begins (vehicle will display charging status)
Allow vehicle to charge for 5 minutes to verify proper operation and no error codes
Disconnect charging cable from vehicle and wall outlet, then return cable to storage compartment
Verify cable stows properly without binding or interference

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