Rivian has filed a patent utility for a tailgate design that appears much like what was seen on the unique idea model of the R1T electrical pickup truck.

Revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Could 30, and initially filed Jan. 7, 2022, the applying is for a tailgate with gooseneck hinges. These hinges would permit the tailgate to swing down 180 levels if desired, in addition to to the 90 levels of conventional tailgates, in line with the applying.

The Rivian R1T idea that debuted on the 2018 Los Angeles auto present had related tailgate hinges. They did not make it to manufacturing, and Rivian by no means acknowledged why, however it’s attainable that they had been deemed too costly or fragile.

The appliance 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 utility for telescoping and folding tailgates, in addition to an built-in tailgate step.

As with all patent materials, there isn’t any assure that any of those concepts will attain manufacturing. However trick tailgates have turn into widespread for internal-combustion pickups, and Common Motors is bringing again its midgate idea for electrical vehicles such because the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV. The designs detailed in these patent functions may assist Rivian maintain tempo with rivals.

Rivian not too long ago teased its smaller R2 electrical SUV, as a consequence of begin manufacturing in 2026 at a brand new manufacturing facility in Georgia. The corporate hasn’t confirmed a pickup-truck sibling, but when such a car does attain manufacturing, maybe it can characteristic a few of these concepts.