Future Rivian R1S and R1T models could have physical buttons, according to a new patent

• Rivian has filed a patent for a tailgate that allows the rear window to open independently, using motors to open and close the window.
• Perhaps more interesting than the tailgate is that Rivian’s patents show a vehicle that uses physical switching equipment to operate, rather than on-screen buttons, which current Rivians are limited to.
• The patent drawings give us a first look at what a facelifted version of the Rivian R1S could look like.

Rivian recently applied for a patent for a tailgate with an independently powered rear window. The patent would make it possible to open the glass together with or independently of the rest of the tailgate. Based on the filing, it would function similarly to the rear window of the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX, although Rivian’s version would be powered.

While we certainly think Rivian should consider implementing the independently opening rear window from the patent, we’re more interested in the controls outlined in the paperwork. That’s because while Rivian currently locks all possible functions behind the central screen, the unnamed Rivian in the patent uses buttons, dials and even a slider.

Rivian’s patent points to a possible use of a camera designed to “detect user movements (e.g., gestures), some of which may correspond to an option selection command to control the movement of one or more vehicle latches.” This likely translates into an action like, say, sweeping your leg under the rear bumper to open the tailgate while you have your arms full of groceries.

Rivian is pretty good at software – so much so that Volkswagen invested more than $5 billion in the company to collaborate on software development – ​​but we’d like to see Rivian embrace the simplicity of a few buttons or knobs in the cabin.

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Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his still unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealer group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford, and decided to pursue a career in automotive writing. By chasing down his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel across Wisconsin in search of stories about the automotive world before landing his dream job at Car and driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.