The Rivian R1T originally launched with a powered tonneau cover but it proved problematic. The automaker then discontinued the feature and offered a manual option instead. Now, it says that it’s revamped the powered bed cover and is ready to begin deliveries to interested owners.
The original powered tonneau cover was so buggy that Rivian not only paused production but they took the option off of the site altogether. Back in late 2022, it told customers that they’d have to select a manual top made from aluminum composite or no top at all. One Rivian employee even went so far as to say that another powered option wouldn’t ever come out.
Thankfully, that’s not the case, and a new email exchange between an R1T owner and Rivian itself confirms it. “We recently completed in-field testing of our updated power tonneau cover and are happy to report the new units are performing well,” it said. Specifically, Rivian made clear that it passed durability and repeatability testing.
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Those who have been waiting on this solution fall into two camps though. Some have the original powered top and others have either the manual top or no top at all. What’s unclear from the email is who Rivian is prioritizing with regard to getting these tops shipped out and installed.
The rest of the message details that those with an existing service ticket (original PTC owners with an active ticket) will see installations begin as early as late this month. Rivian says that it’s doing the work on a rolling basis so some owners will get their top long before others.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Rivian doesn’t appear to be asking existing PTC owners to do anything special. The message, first uploaded to RivianForums.com specifically said that the goal is to make the process quick and convenient.
