A Rivian charge port stuck on an R1T or R1S won’t release on its own. Stop the session on the center display first. Unlock the vehicle before you unplug. Then open the hood and lift the driver-side trim panel. Pull the cable to release the plug. If the plug still will not come free, stop pulling and get help.

Close-up of a Rivian R1T charge port with a charging cable plugged in and the driver hand reaching to release it

What to check before you use the manual release

Rivian’s owner’s guide lists two checks before you unplug.

Always stop a charge session before you unplug from a DC fast charger. Go to Energy in the center display, and then choose Stop Charging.

Make sure the vehicle is unlocked before you unplug from an AC charger.

For other EV brands, see what to do when an EV charge port will not release.

Manual release for a Rivian charge port stuck on the R1T or R1S

These are Rivian’s own published steps for the R1T and the R1S.

  1. Open the vehicle hood.
  2. Remove the trim panel from the driver side of the vehicle. Pull up gently to release the clips.
  3. Gently pull the cable to release the charge plug.
  4. Remove the charge plug from the charge port.
  5. Replace the trim panel and secure the clips.
  6. Close the hood.
Open Rivian frunk showing the manual charge port release cable being pulled by a hand.

What to do at a public charger that won’t disconnect

At a public charger in Kirkland or Renton, someone else may be waiting. The charging network is a third party that can end the session.

First, end the session from the charger’s screen or the network’s app.

If that fails, use Rivian’s published manual release. Open the hood and pull the release cable as described above.

If Rivian’s published release does not free the plug, stop pulling and get help. Rivian Service is the right call for a hardware problem.

The charger itself may be holding the plug. Charging networks publish support contacts. Look for one on the station or in the network’s app. A network can sometimes end a session from its end.

Never yank the cable out with brute force. Forcing the cable can damage the port, the cable, or the station. If you have tried everything and you are still stuck, it is time to call for professional help. If you’re still stuck in Bellevue, EV roadside assistance in Bellevue shows how to get a local operator to the car.

When to call the referral line for non-Tesla mobile rescue

If the plug is still stuck after Rivian’s checks and the manual release, stop pulling. Call the referral line for a non-Tesla EV rescue.

You might be stuck in a parking garage in downtown Bellevue. You might be at a charging station in Federal Way. The operators we refer cover King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. You deal with the operator directly.

When to call us

If you are stranded in the Puget Sound with a stuck charge cable, a dead 12V battery, or an out-of-charge emergency, do not wait. The referral line connects you with a licensed, independent local operator for Rivians and other non-Tesla EVs.

Call (206) 202-7018 to reach a local operator.