In a current letter to present reservation holders of the R1T, Rivian has stated it can halt the manufacturing and set up of the powered tonneau cowl on all future deliveries. These reservation holders can now select between a handbook tonneau cowl or no cowl in any respect, whereas Rivian “upgrades” the powered model. Listed here are the small print.
Rivian ($RIVN) is a comparatively younger American automaker that started delivering its flagship EV – the R1T pickup – a few yr in the past. The rising pains that coincide with any startup working to ramp as much as scaled manufacturing hit Rivian early and exhausting, on high of world provide chain constraints for important EV elements.
To fight these points, the corporate briefly raised its costs in late 2021 however backtracked after a mass exodus of reservation holders and far backlash from the Rivian neighborhood.
The corporate reported a $1.5 billion loss in Q1 of 2022, however has continued to point out scaled progress in R1T and R1S manufacturing by way of the yr. Q3 confirmed its largest manufacturing development so far, efficiently constructing over 7,300 EVs.
Whereas Rivian continues to develop by restructuring its enterprise and meeting practices, it seems prefer it has added a redesign of its powered tonneau cowl to its to-do checklist.
Rivian’s letter to clients relating to energy tonneau cowl
Tip of the hat to Rivian Boards member MountainBikeDude for sharing the letter obtained from Rivian relating to its full halt to powered tonneau cowl manufacturing. The submit is backed by a number of different discussion board members sending their very own model of the identical digital letter, deducing that this discover doubtless went out to all present R1T reservation holders. Right here’s the complete textual content:
We not too long ago shared with R1T house owners 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 characteristic 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 might 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 is not going to 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 totally lockable and presents safety in opposition to mild climate. If you’re taking supply quickly, your panels will ship later. Our present estimate is early 2023. Images and a full demonstration of the handbook tonneau cowl might be shared earlier than then.
For those who select no tonneau cowl, autos delivered within the subsequent few months will embody 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 may be little to no impression on vary when the mattress is empty.
If in case you have any questions on this replace, our group is right here to assist. Please don’t hesitate to attain out.
Tony Caravano
Head of Rivian Buyer Engagement
Rivian has not shared the rationale for the replace to the powered tonneau cowl. We have now reached out to Rivian for remark however have but to listen to again, we’ll replace this story and we be taught extra.
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