Rivian Patents Low-Range Crawler Gearbox (Bolt-on) for Off-Roading

[Electric Rivilution]

Rivian Patents Bolt-On Low-Range Crawler Gearbox for Off-Road EVs

And when your EV has four motors, you need a low-range gearbox at every corner.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/rivian-patents-bolt-on-low-range-crawler-gearbox-for-off-road-evs

February 6, 2023

“Rivian's electric trucks and SUVs are capable machines. With a motor at every wheel and adjustable long-travel suspension, they can conquer tough terrain, tow with ease, and stay planted in extreme weather. This capability comes at a cost, though. High torque scenarios like rock crawling, heavy-duty towing, and slippery conditions can overheat the motors and limit performance. The answer? A bolt-on low-range gearbox for every corner, of course.

The young electric automaker has just received a patent for such a device, which is the first of its kind as far as we're aware. According to the document, the four gearboxes would mount directly onto the existing drive units and replace the inner CV joints of the … axles. Inside each gearbox, there would be a planetary gearset to provide the reduction as well as an actuator to engage or..."

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[MountainBikeDude]

Rivian Patents Bolt-On Low-Range Crawler Gearbox for Off-Road EVs

And when your EV has four motors, you need a low-range gearbox at every corner.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/rivian-patents-bolt-on-low-range-crawler-gearbox-for-off-road-evs

February 6, 2023

“Rivian's electric trucks and SUVs are capable machines. With a motor at every wheel and adjustable long-travel suspension, they can conquer tough terrain, tow with ease, and stay planted in extreme weather. This capability comes at a cost, though. High torque scenarios like rock crawling, heavy-duty towing, and slippery conditions can overheat the motors and limit performance. The answer? A bolt-on low-range gearbox for every corner, of course.

The young electric automaker has just received a patent for such a device, which is the first of its kind as far as we're aware. According to the document, the four gearboxes would mount directly onto the existing drive units and replace the inner CV joints of the … axles. Inside each gearbox, there would be a planetary gearset to provide the reduction as well as an actuator to engage or..."

Beat me to it
I wonder if this will be the "we plan to reintroduce a quad motor Max Pack with enhanced capabilities"

Also, if put out there, would be a great option for existing quad owners!

 

[SACDFJC]

Nice an Atlas Transfer case for your EV. This will never be built. Just can't see Rivian getting into this market.

 

[COdogman]

I have to say this doesn’t make a lot of sense. Such a small percentage of owners would do this and it would likely be extremely pricey. Maybe way down the road when the service centers can do more specialty add ons…

Interesting idea though.

 

[Lil'Dave]

Mason has some interesting patents for Rivian.

https://patents.justia.com/inventor/mason-verbridge

 

[ironpig]

We know they are planning a next generation Quad with enhanced performance from the new motors, but I don't know if these will be a part of the package or just something conceptual.

Either way, I like that they are continuing to try to dominate the news cycle as the off roader's choice for EVs.

 

[trez63]

I have to say this doesn’t make a lot of sense. Such a small percentage of owners would do this and it would likely be extremely pricey. Maybe way down the road when the service centers can do more specialty add ons…

Interesting idea though.

I agree. It's likely to just remain a patent and never see the light of day. The R1T/S has so much torque already that I can't imagine paying extra and adding more complexity and weight to the truck just get more low end torque. Now if they came up with a two speed gearbox that would engage at higher speed for higher gearing / longer range then I would consider it.

 

[Inkedsphynx]

If it weren't cost prohibitive, I'd do it. This would be a nice benefit during my favorite uses for my truck. If I'm already dropping 10k+ on various overlanding accessories (RTT, Sliders, etc etc), not sure why I'd balk at a few thousand more.

Modifications for overlanders are very popular. Rivian might not sell these to a majority of the market, but there would certainly be interest. I would expect to see them standard on an offroad-focused R2 as well, if it's something they can actually develop.

 

[mroe]

I don't think Rivian should produce this, but I would totally mod my truck with this if they did

 

[COdogman]

I agree. It's likely to just remain a patent and never see the light of day. The R1T/S has so much torque already that I can't imagine paying extra and adding more complexity and weight to the truck just get more low end torque. Now if they came up with a two speed gearbox that would engage at higher speed for higher gearing / longer range then I would consider it.

I would definitely be interested in that!

 

[s4wrxttcs]

Finally Rivian is focusing some attention on printing money accessories.

 

[crashmtb]

I bet they build it. These aren’t the typical abstract line drawing patent drawings used when something is just a concept.

 

[madgrey]

A strong patent portfolio is something Rivian needs to continue to build for the obvious reasons of protecting their IP but also to fend of litigation and help with technology negotiations.

 

[Nix]

I agree. It's likely to just remain a patent and never see the light of day. The R1T/S has so much torque already that I can't imagine paying extra and adding more complexity and weight to the truck just get more low end torque. Now if they came up with a two speed gearbox that would engage at higher speed for higher gearing / longer range then I would consider it.

I wonder if Porsche's 2-speed axle technology could be leveraged on a 2-motor Rivian?

 

[DuoRivians]

Wonder if this could be applied to a dual motor car to apply variable torque at each wheel

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