EGR launches smart electric roll cover for pick-ups

James Horwill, a former captain of the Australia rugby union team, is behind the UK launch of a new electric roll cover for pick-up trucks, which claims to be the world’s first tonneau cover to integrate fully into a vehicle’s electrical system.

The EGR RollTrac, designed and made by automotive supplier EGR Group, is both water resistant and scratch resistant, with a host of design features to keep a cargo safe and secure. The cover has been extensively tested in extreme conditions and features an aluminium interlocking slat system which prevents water from penetrating. This system also gives the tonneau cover its strength – EGR claims it is slash-proof.

The cover locks in the vehicle tailgate via claw hook style catches for improved security while an anti-pinch feature prevents anything from being caught between the cover and the tailgate when closing.

Flush mounted to the tailgate panel to ensure any surface water is immediately displaced, it also integrates with the remote central locking system so a separate key is not required. Onboard buttons are integrated into the rear corner on both side rails so that the cover can be opened/closed from either side of the vehicle.

Horwill, director of strategic planning for EGR Europe, says the cover is the result of three years’ research and development.

“We’ve looked at all of the issues that fleet operators and owners have with ‘traditional’ tonneau covers and designed and innovated our way around them,” he says.

“We know fleet operators are principally concerned about safety/security and water ingress, and the costs of stolen tools or damaged equipment, and so our interlocking slat system addresses these issues and more. We know they need to be tough, but look good, and the black powder finish looks stylish enough to complement any vehicle.”

The cover only works when the vehicle is unlocked, and a smart ECU-controlled operation is pre-programmed to the vehicle and includes onboard fail safes to prevent using valuable energy if the vehicle battery is running low. A manual override feature is included, and an automatic internal LED light provides visibility in the rear in poor lighting conditions.

EGR RollTrac is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Storm Xccessories.