The Rivian R1S electrical SUV does not have an exterior spare wheel, however a lately surfaced patent submitting signifies the automaker is thinking about one for long term fashions, and it might additionally function a garage corner.

The patent software in query was once revealed via the US Patent and Trademark Place of work (USPTO) on Dec. 28, 2023, and firstly filed via Rivian June 28, 2022. It is titled “Spare Wheel Bins for a Automobile,” and principally offers with makes use of for the gap within a spare wheel mounting meeting hung off an SUV’s tailgate.

Rivian spare wheel container patent symbol

Mounting the wheel with its out of doors floor going through towards the mounting level leaves a bit of of area. Within the patent software, Rivian proposes filling that area with boxes that might function garage, toolboxes, or first assist kits. Rivian means that they may well be provided with USB ports for charging units, heating or cooling, in addition to radio frequency identity (RFID) tags.

Different conceivable makes use of come with water garage for moveable camp bathe methods, an air compressor for airing the spare tire up or down (an extension of the integrated air machine already to be had in Rivian cars), or waste garage so homeowners may just simply take their trash with them when leaving the desert. That matches with Rivian’s environmental ethos, which additionally spurred the corporate to shelve its Tank Flip function out of outrage that it may well be used to rip up off-road trails.

Rivian spare wheel container patent symbol

Spare wheel boxes may just additionally hook up with a car’s infotainment machine, permitting drivers to view water ranges or air force from the central touchscreen, or get reminders to drain the waste container.

Now not all car patents achieve manufacturing, and whilst spare wheel boxes are very on emblem for the automaker that still introduced us the R1T pickup-truck Equipment Tunnel, Rivian already has so much happening. It is slated to turn the higher-volume R2 later this 12 months. This follow-up to the R1 fashions objectives for a $40,000 base worth and is because of get started manufacturing in 2026 at a brand new Georgia plant.