Rivian has updated one of its electric delivery van (EDV) repair procedures to make it less labor-intensive, according to Rivian Certified Collision Networks Sr. Manager Casey Hamilton.

Hamilton told Repairer Driven News the procedure for replacing the outer box side panels has been simplified to only require structural adhesive and self-tapping screws. The screws serve to hold the panels as the structural adhesive dries.

“Up until a couple of months ago, we had these outer panels going on with structural adhesive, and the mechanical fastener that was being used was a very specific blind rivet,” he said.

Because of how often the outer panels are replaced, Hamilton said engineering was tasked with finding a more efficient repair.

“These vans have been on the road for three or four years, and we’re starting to see multiple replacements of the same panel or multiple replacements of adjacent panels,” he said. “The methodology of using those blind rivets was actually causing quite a bit of work for folks that were having to do subsequent repairs… Given that these are cargo vans, they get torn up pretty frequently.”

The procedure also required a particular rivet gun, whereas now only a nut driver is necesssary, Hamilton added.

“Engineering came to us and said, ‘Hey, that structural adhesive is really what’s holding that panel on. The mechanical fastener is not that important when it comes to the structural rigidity there.’

Since the complexity of the repair procedure was reduced and the tool specificity eliminated, Rivian also decided to remove the outer panel from its restricted parts list, according to Hamilton.

“At the end of the day, they’re not really structural,” he said. “Most of the rigidity comes from this inner panel, and then the outer panel is basically cosmetic.”

According to a May 1 Rivian collision bulletin, the changes were made “to improve the ergonomics of the physical process for technicians and to improve the cycle time for collision centers.”

It goes on to say, “The change to self-tapping fasteners reduces technician fatigue by eliminating the need to drill, deburr, and install 80 to 100 6.4mm structural rivets. This also reduces the number of times the side panel must be rest fit by allowing the panel to be installed one time before being fastened without compromising structural performance.”

The updated procedure can be found in the Rivian Service Portal.

Images

Featured image: Rivian’s EDV, or Commercial Van, is pictured. (Provided by Rivian)