Rivian Briefly Discontinues R1T Powered Tonneau Cowl

If you happen to’re the proud proprietor of a Rivian R1T who’s much less pleased with your electrical pickup’s power-retractable tonneau cowl, Rivian’s not so happy with it both. The powered tonneau has confirmed unreliable for some prospects, who’ve reported jerky, noisy operation and, in some instances, an incapability to open utterly. The startup truck maker not too long ago despatched emails out to R1T reservation holders who had optioned the powered tonneau and are nonetheless ready for his or her vehicles, asserting that the choice has been discontinued whereas Rivian works on an answer.

The information involves us through a number of members over at Rivian Boards who obtained the communication from the corporate final week. In a single such electronic mail, Tony Caravano, the corporate’s head of buyer engagement, says that whereas the powered tonneau is off the market, potential homeowners should select both a handbook tonneau or none in any respect within the interim. At the very least their vehicles received’t be delayed in consequence. Right here’s the way it reads in full:

We not too long ago shared with R1T homeowners that we’re upgrading the powered tonneau cowl. As we undergo the method, we’re eradicating the powered tonneau cowl from manufacturing. We plan to re-introduce this function later, however a date has not been set. For the foreseeable future, all R1Ts will include both a handbook tonneau cowl or no tonneau cowl.

Since you could have chosen a powered tonneau cowl, your configuration will must be up to date to both a handbook tonneau cowl or no tonneau cowl. It’s essential to notice this selection won’t impression your supply timing estimate coming later this month.

Our handbook tonneau cowl is comprised of 4 interlocking panels constructed of a sturdy aluminum composite that slide out and in of the mattress’s built-in siderails. When not in use, the panels retailer in a cargo bag and match simply within the Gear Tunnel. The handbook tonneau cowl is absolutely lockable and presents safety in opposition to gentle climate. If you’re taking supply quickly, your panels will ship later. Our present estimate is early 2023. Photographs and a full demonstration of the handbook tonneau cowl might be shared earlier than then.

If you happen to select no tonneau cowl, automobiles delivered within the subsequent few months will embrace the built-in siderails within the mattress. In early 2023, we’ll transition to a design with out the built-in siderails. It’s value noting that when driving an R1T with no tonneau cowl, there’s little to no impression on vary when the mattress is empty.​

On the floor, this appears affordable as Rivian figures out how you can make a extra dependable automated mattress cowl. The issue is, a number of reservation holders have additionally commented that powered tonneaus can’t be added after the very fact. The type you select now’s what you’re caught with. And since Rivian hasn’t supplied a timetable for when it expects the working powered tonneaus to be accessible to spec, patrons can’t merely delay their orders till that occurs. We’ve reached out to Rivian for affirmation of and touch upon these particulars, and can replace this publish with no matter we be taught.

Now, apparently, if you have already got taken supply of your R1T with its powered tonneau and it isn’t working, Rivian has already dedicated to changing the mechanism to your truck with the brand new design, as soon as it’s able to go. The corporate says it “expects to have an answer in early 2023.” Why the brand new powered tonneau can’t be added to different vehicles is unclear.

It’s all part of ongoing rising pains round Rivian’s first merchandise, the R1T and R1S. After irritating the general public by elevating costs, strolling these hikes again, then axing base fashions and canceling preorders, the difficulties in scaling up are cropping up in different methods, with manufacturing hurdles like this tonneau problem. Anecdotally I can say I’m seeing an terrible lot of R1Ts on the highway; I ponder how their homeowners’ experiences have been to date.