Should the R1T get a sliding rear window?

R99 said:

I think it would help convince people the R1T can be an everyday vehicle by having a sliding window that allows you to carry items like wood.

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As I've read in other forums the Rivian EAVs are targeting the outdoor adventure demographic than the worker that needs to haul around lumber and other large construction materials (e.g. Atlis XT or Workhorse pickups).
I've also read people (speculating) it might (also) have to do with the structural strength of the cab as a solid window provides more rigidity than one that opens. (I assume the implied here is in case of a rollover.) Seems a little bit of stretch to me but I'm not an automotive engineer. I suspect it has more to do with the target demographic, though admittingly that also seems like a weak reason. Who knows, that might be one of the "small tweaks" Rivian makes for the production model.

EyeOnRivian said:

As I've read in other forums the Rivian EAVs are targeting the outdoor adventure demographic than the worker that needs to haul around lumber and other large construction materials (e.g. Atlis XT or Workhorse pickups).
I've also read people (speculating) it might (also) have to do with the structural strength of the cab as a solid window provides more rigidity than one that opens. (I assume the implied here is in case of a rollover.) Seems a little bit of stretch to me but I'm not an automotive engineer. I suspect it has more to do with the target demographic, though admittingly that also seems like a weak reason. Who knows, that might be one of the "small tweaks" Rivian makes for the production model.

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I'm not sure if there's a structural difference between a solid or sliding rear window either. At the very least a solid rear window is better for security than a sliding one. I understand that Rivian's demographic probably isn't hauling 2x4's around, but I'm sure a sliding window could be handy for them when dealing with things like camping equipment.

I agree with you I could definitely see this being an extra option for later models.

What @EyeOnRivian said. The demographic shift from people buying an F150 to this Rivian pickup is drastically different and its actually better than Rivian isn't trying to compete with Ford's F-series. Ford, Chevy and RAM can easily shut Rivian out.

I have a Honda Ridgeline that has the sliding window. I almost never use it. Only when I am putting something in the car that is small and exceeds the bed length. I would say I've used it about a dozen times in 14 years... If it was optional I wouldn't get a sliding rear window.

Even though I'll probably get the R1S, if I were getting the R1T I would prefer a sliding rear window. In addition to basic uses of hauling long items or just easily tossing something into the bed from the cabin, I was thinking that you might be able to benefit from the cabin temperature when camping. The Rivian will have what's equivalent to Tesla's "camper mode" where only the climate control system (and probably others like sound system) is available to heat/cool the cabin and use as little of the battery as possible overnight. Though for this to work would depend on how big the window opening would be for the conditioned cabin air to transfer to through the window into the bed area. Maybe add a small window fan ... but that would require energy ... Hmm .... I guess that's part of the reason why I'll get the R1S.

I currently have a Honda Ridgeline with a sliding window like @GEON, which I use quite frequently-- Sad it's not an option right now. Not only do I use the slider for longer light items, but its great for air circulation with a couple cab windows cracked open when I'm on the road. I don't need to open the side windows very far, which saves on energy and keeps the road noise down.

EVnow! said:

I currently have a Honda Ridgeline with a sliding window like @GEON, which I use quite frequently-- Sad it's not an option right now. Not only do I use the slider for longer light items, but its great for air circulation with a couple cab windows cracked open when I'm on the road. I don't need to open the side windows very far, which saves on energy and keeps the road noise down.

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My dog likes the sliding window in the Ridgeline. That's good enough for me.

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The only rear window I'd want is a totally solid piece of glass. It would be nice if it rolled done, but not a deal breaker for me.

GEON said:

I have a Honda Ridgeline that has the sliding window. I almost never use it. Only when I am putting something in the car that is small and exceeds the bed length. I would say I've used it about a dozen times in 14 years... If it was optional I wouldn't get a sliding rear window.

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I too have a Ridgeline and value the sliding window. It doesn’t buffet at all and is excellent for moving long items.

Maybe there is one and it falls under 'under promise, over deliver'.
I can dream if I want to.

I cannot endorse the utility of an opening rear window strongly enough. Also, the inability to flip up the rear seats to clear space dog crates and other items is a severe loss.

I looked at a side view of the R1T. With the Gear Tunnel below it, there is no place for the Window to go down. Unless they figure out some way to slant/slide it in between the Tunnel and back seat. Only other option is a partial side to side slide. Which we have not seen.

Rivian-WI said:

I looked at a side view of the R1T. With the Gear Tunnel below it, there is no place for the Window to go down. Unless they figure out some way to slant/slide it in between the Tunnel and back seat. Only other option is a partial side to side slide. Which we have not seen.

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Yep. It’s a shame, but I understand no re-engineering or material changes at this point.

Hopper said:

I cannot endorse the utility of an opening rear window strongly enough. Also, the inability to flip up the rear seats to clear space dog crates and other items is a severe loss.

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Has Rivian confirmed that the seats do not flip up? I have been assuming they will— especially because Rivian touts how much storage the R1T has. They don’t often talk about the drawers under the front seats, for instance, but I’ve seen pictures of them.

EVnow! said:

Has Rivian confirmed that the seats do not flip up? I have been assuming they will— especially because Rivian touts how much storage the R1T has. They don’t often talk about the drawers under the front seats, for instance, but I’ve seen pictures of them.

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They did not in the original prototypes because the 180kWh battery needed the space. It seems like they've redesigned this, such that they may not need 180kWh to break the 400mi mark, and therefore may not need the space in the cabin. To date, there has not been a reveal of the final interior, so nobody except Rivian knows exactly how the rear seats are configured.

R99 said:

One thing about the R1T that I'm surprised Rivian hasn't addressed yet is the possibility of having a sliding rear window. Every video and photo I've seen shows the window as a single piece of glass. I think it would help convince people the R1T can be an everyday vehicle by having a sliding window that allows you to carry items like wood. Anyone else agree with this idea?

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I would like an electrically powered opening rear window.

timesinks said:

They did not in the original prototypes because the 180kWh battery needed the space. It seems like they've redesigned this, such that they may not need 180kWh to break the 400mi mark, and therefore may not need the space in the cabin. To date, there has not been a reveal of the final interior, so nobody except Rivian knows exactly how the rear seats are configured.

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Let’s hope they fold up for storage. It’s sooo important with a pickup.

Hopper said:

Let’s hope they fold up for storage. It’s sooo important with a pickup.

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There have been photos of the prototypes with the rear seats folding so it is possible. Just maybe not with the large battery.