Tesla is known for packing their vehicles with really cool features, and the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck might be getting one of those features. Tesla's new patent details something that has been rumored about the electric truck for a while now. So, what exactly is in Tesla's latest patent, and what are the chances they will follow through with it? Let's take a look.
Tesla's new patent has details people have hoped for – especially Tesla fans. According to Motor 1, Twitter users even tweeted to Elon Musk asking for the Cybertruck to have rear folding seats. That way, Tesla drivers could reach the truck's bed, which Musk and Tesla call "the vault" because a Tesla can't just have a trunk.
Tesla's recent patent filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office shows that the electric carmaker is considering adding split-folding rear seats to its upcoming Cybertruck - a move that would be practical for customers who desire to use their vehicle for camping or need easy access to the bed of their truck.
What does the Patent say?
The patent existed implied on December 21, 2021, and will expire in 15 years. It states that it covers the "ornamental design for a vehicle seat, as shown and described."
The patent is relatively short, just 26 pages. In addition to the brief description of the invention, there are several pages of drawings of seats. Some of these drawings show different views of the front and rear seats of the Tesla Cybertruck, and they appear to depict split-folding rear seats.
The seats inside the Cybertruck have been noted by many to resemble something straight out of the Transformers movies. And it's not just their looks that have people talking - their shapes are also quite angular and harsh, almost like robot eyes.
This uniqueness ties in perfectly with the overall design of the Tesla Cybertruck. Motor 1 has said that Musk will be using the Tesla Q4 Earnings Call to discuss the Cybertruck in more detail, so perhaps we'll learn more about the rear seats then.
Is there a connection between the Rivian R1T and the possibility for rear folding seats?
Tesla's main competitor in the electric truck market is Rivian, whose R1T pickup truck features a gear tunnel accessible from the cabin. The R1T is just starting to be delivered to customers. Tesla is working hard to keep up with Rivian now that the R1T has won MotorTrend's "Truck of the Year" award.
Both electric pickups have quad-motor options and sell directly to consumers without any middleman or dealerships getting in the way. They also have service centers to deal with any problems that might come up with the trucks.
Some differences exist between the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T, and one of the most major ones is their appearance. The Cybertruck looks like something that could be straight out of a science fiction movie, whereas the Rivian R1T has more of an upscale look to it. What separates the two trucks wildly from each other?
Tesla's new patent gives the Cybertruck a much-needed push to catch up to Rivian R1T. Only period will disclose what this patent points for Cybertruck and how successful it will be.
