Rivian has patented a series of designs for
different box modules that could be fitted to the bed of its all-electric R1T
pickup truck. The patent was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark
Office back in January 2017 but has only just been published. Depicted in the
patent are a number of different bed configurations which could be offered for
the R1T and are referred to as a removable recreation module, a removable
delivery module, a removable open box utility module, a removable flat bed
support module, and a removable side rail module.
The crew over at the Rivian Forums have created a
series of renderings that depict the pickup with these various module designs. One of the most intriguing
designs is the side rail module. It sees the sides and rear of the bed are
removed and replaced with a pair of rails on either side, allowing things like
motorcycles to be stored in the bed. A pair of R1T pickups with different caps
and toppers have also been designed and help show how versatile the vehicle
could be.
Of course, before Rivian can think about selling all these interesting bed modules, it must first bring the all-electric pickup to
production. In the world of EV startups that’s oftentimes easier said than
done, but a recent influx of money means that, for the time being, it’s able to
go ahead as planned.
The automaker says that the R1T is powered by four
electric motors and will be offered with 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh battery
packs. The most expensive variant should accelerate to 96 km/h in 3.0
seconds and have a range of over 643 km, while the entry-level, 105
kWh version should be good for a touch over 370 km.
Rivian wants to start deliveries of the R1T in late
2020, and prices are estimated to start at US$ 61,500 after the federal tax
credit.
