The Rivian R1S electrical SUV would not have an exterior spare wheel, however a just lately surfaced patent submitting signifies the automaker is contemplating one for future fashions, and it might additionally function a storage nook.

The patent software in query was printed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Dec. 28, 2023, and initially filed by Rivian June 28, 2022. It is titled “Spare Wheel Containers for a Car,” and primarily offers with makes use of for the area inside a spare wheel mounting meeting hung off an SUV’s tailgate.

Rivian spare wheel container patent picture

Mounting the wheel with its exterior floor going through towards the mounting level leaves a little bit of area. Within the patent software, Rivian proposes filling that area with containers that would function storage, toolboxes, or first support kits. Rivian means that they could possibly be geared up with USB ports for charging gadgets, heating or cooling, in addition to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags.

Different attainable makes use of embody water storage for moveable camp bathe programs, an air compressor for airing the spare tire up or down (an extension of the built-in air system already obtainable in Rivian automobiles), or waste storage so house owners might simply take their trash with them when leaving the wilderness. That matches with Rivian’s environmental ethos, which additionally spurred the corporate to shelve its Tank Flip function out of concern that it could possibly be used to tear up off-road trails.

Rivian spare wheel container patent picture

Spare wheel containers might additionally connect with a car’s infotainment system, permitting drivers to view water ranges or air stress from the central touchscreen, or get reminders to empty the waste container.

Not all automotive patents attain manufacturing, and whereas spare wheel containers are very on model for the automaker that additionally introduced us the R1T pickup-truck Gear Tunnel, Rivian already has so much occurring. It is slated to indicate the higher-volume R2 later this yr. This follow-up to the R1 fashions goals for a $40,000 base value and is because of begin manufacturing in 2026 at a brand new Georgia plant.