The Rivian R1T is aimed extra at camp websites than job websites, however a patent submitting from the automaker hints at a brand new characteristic that would improve the electrical pickup truck’s usefulness as a piece car.
In a patent utility filed with america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) in 2022, however solely printed in April 4, Rivian particulars a tailgate with an built-in workbench.
The tailgate would basically function a mounting level for various components, together with extendable assist arms, clamps, vises, and fasteners. A few of these components, such because the assist arms, could possibly be constructed into the tailgate and fold out when wanted, whereas others could possibly be hooked up to the tailgate by way of tabs.
Drawings accompanying the patent utility present a pickup, however Rivian notes that the workbench idea could possibly be utilized to different areas apart from truck tailgates. Fixtures may be built-in with the doorways for the Gear Tunnel pass-through situated behind the cab of the R1T, or on an SUV tailgate, in line with the automaker. Recall that the Rivian R1S has a cut up tailgate, with a decrease flat floor just like a pickup tailgate.
Rivian tailgate workbench patent picture
Rivian has been in search of a number of methods to extend the utility of pickups. Different current patent filings from the automaker embrace a mattress rack system, drop-down storage tray, and a gooseneck-hinge tailgate that may swing open 180 levels. Not all patented concepts make it to manufacturing, although, and it is unclear if these concepts could be used for a future replace of the R1T or one other car.
Rivian unveiled its lower-priced R2 sequence within the type of the R2S SUV in March, however hasn’t but confirmed an R2T pickup. However with manufacturing of the R2S not scheduled to start out till 2026, there’s nonetheless time for that announcement to occur.