Rivian has filed a patent software for a tailgate design that appears just like what was seen on the unique idea model of the R1T electrical pickup truck.
Printed by the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Could 30, and initially filed Jan. 7, 2022, the appliance is for a tailgate with gooseneck hinges. These hinges would enable the tailgate to swing down 180 levels if desired, in addition to to the 90 levels of conventional tailgates, in line with the appliance.
Patent picture of Rivian tailgate with gooseneck pictures
The Rivian R1T idea that debuted on the 2018 Los Angeles auto present had comparable tailgate hinges. They did not make it to manufacturing, and Rivian by no means acknowledged why, but it surely’s attainable that they had been deemed too costly or fragile.
The applying additionally mentions hands-free opening of the tailgate, in addition to a “zero gravity” operate that holds the tailgate open at a specified angle utilizing air springs. In 2022, the corporate additionally filed a patent software for telescoping and folding tailgates, in addition to an built-in tailgate step.
Patent picture of Rivian tailgate with gooseneck pictures
As with all patent materials, there isn’t any assure that any of those concepts will attain manufacturing. However trick tailgates have grow to be widespread for internal-combustion pickups, and Normal Motors is bringing again its midgate idea for electrical vehicles such because the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV. The designs detailed in these patent purposes might assist Rivian hold tempo with rivals.
Rivian lately teased its smaller R2 electrical SUV, as a result of begin manufacturing in 2026 at a brand new manufacturing unit in Georgia. The corporate hasn’t confirmed a pickup-truck sibling, but when such a car does attain manufacturing, maybe it’ll characteristic a few of these concepts.