Rivian working on winch integration
Rivian filed a patent application for an integrated winch assembly.
As described in the patent application published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on February 29, 2024 and originally filed on August 30, 2022, the winch can be mounted in the front or rear fascia to keep the exterior styling clean and optimize aerodynamic characteristics. It can be mounted behind.
According to the patent application, the concealed winch unit is mounted on the vehicle bumper and the cable feeds through a hole in the fascia. A removable panel can also be included if the owner needs access to the winch.
An integrated winch seems like a good feature given Rivian's focus on off-roading. Such a hidden design explains the fact that the current Rivian R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV do not have large external bumpers like many internal combustion engine capable vehicles.
However, not all patented ideas make it to market, and Rivian already has a significant backlog. Recently discovered Livian patent applications include a powered cargo compartment divider, a bed rack system for pickups, and roof rail lighting.
Rivian is also preparing to launch a second model line, dubbed the R2, which is expected to debut on March 7 as a smaller, less expensive SUV than the R1S. Rivian has also trademarked the R2T name, indicating that a pickup version is also being considered. However, production is scheduled to begin in 2026.
