Rivian initially shipped its mighty capable R1T pickup truck with a powered tonneau cover. However, most owners started reporting that it would break down after a couple of activations. The automaker looked into it and discovered a design flaw that even a fleet-wide recall couldn't fix. So, it canceled the part altogether until a new tonneau cover could be made available. Good news: it's coming, and it can work with the existing supporting system!
Initially, Rivian said it would start fixing the powered tonneau cover by redesigning one subcomponent. Shops would then get it and replace the faulty part at no cost to the owners.
After looking more thoroughly at the issue, the automaker discovered that the entire assembly had to be replaced. So, it went on that route and removed the powered tonneau cover from its shop and vehicle accessory list to ensure nobody would longer order it. Fret not; the automaker promised not to charge extra when the new design arrives. That was envisioned as a perk reserved for people who already had ordered one and didn't receive it or had it installed but wasn't working.
One year has passed since Rivian admitted there was a problem with the powered tonneau cover, and the only solution currently available is a manual replacement comprising four interlocking panels that slide in and out of the bed's integrated side rails. It now costs a whopping $1,800 for new customers. It used to be priced at $800 for earlier buyers, but that was somewhat of an outrageous cost too.
The manual version of the tonneau cover, however, isn't to everyone's liking. The four panels must be removed, put into a bag, and stored in the gear tunnel to free up the bed space.
But even this one only started being delivered this summer. The delays might have happened because the Irvine-based EV maker wanted to ensure the part's dependability.
Photo: u/winstonius-maximus via Reddit
That development was pretty frustrating because Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe gave everyone a look at the new powered tonneau cover in May. Back then, he informed customers that the new one would start shipping this summer. That, sadly, didn't happen.
But things are looking up. The better option that retracts itself into a dedicated compartment integrated at the base of the rear wall is expected to arrive in a couple of months (early 2024 at the most). The good news is that the brand-new powered tonneau cover can be retrofitted on some R1Ts. If you're among those who ordered Rivian's pickup truck with a manual tonneau cover or still have the powered one that's broken, the new design will work with the existing rails. No need to deal with other costs.
If you didn't tick this option when buying the truck, the automaker won't be able to install the redesigned powered tonneau cover. Rivian's customer specialists confirmed the information.
Similarly, owners of Rivian R1Ts with manual tonneau covers who want to upgrade will have to scoop up some extra cash.
Sadly, the price isn't yet known, and the brand didn't specify if it will prioritize those who drive around with the faulty assembly installed. Everyone might end up in the same queue. However, expect a cost of at least $2,000 without installation if you want your R1T to be retrofitted with the new powered tonneau cover. The same thing applies to those who don't qualify for a free or discounted replacement.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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