Rivian explores tailgate with built-in workbench

Although the Rivian R1T is targeted more at camp sites than work sites, a patent filed by the automaker suggests new features that could increase the electric pickup truck's utility as a work vehicle.

In a patent application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2022 and published on April 4, Rivian details a tailgate with an integrated work platform.

The tailgate essentially serves as a mounting point for a variety of elements, including extendable support arms, clamps, vises, and fasteners. Some of these elements, such as support arms, can be incorporated into the tailgate and folded down when needed, while other elements can be attached to the tailgate via tabs.

Although the drawings accompanying the patent application depict a pickup, Livian noted that the workbench concept could be applied to locations other than truck tailgates. It could also be mounted on the gear tunnel pass-through door behind the cab of an R1T or on the tailgate of an SUV, he said. The tailgate of the Rivian R1S is split and has a flat surface at the bottom similar to the tailgate of a pickup.

Rivian has been exploring several ways to make the pickup more practical. The automaker's recent patent applications include a bed-rack system, a drop-down storage tray, and a gooseneck-hinged tailgate that can swing open 180 degrees. However, not all patented ideas will be commercialized, and it is unclear if these ideas will be used in future updates of the R1T or in another vehicle.

Rivian announced a lower-priced R2 series in March in the form of the R2S SUV, but has yet to confirm an R2T pickup. However, there is still time for that announcement, as the R2S is scheduled to go into production in 2026.