Rivian Patents Intriguing Modular Box Systems For The R1T Pickup

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 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.0 seconds and have a range of over 400 miles (643 km), while the entry-level, 105 kWh version should be good for a touch over 230 miles (370 km).

Rivian wants to start deliveries of the R1T in late 2020, and prices are estimated to start at $61,500 after the federal tax credit.