Rivian patented energetic aero wheel covers

Rivian is seeking to patent wheel covers with energetic aerodynamic elements to further improve the efficiency of its electric vehicles.

Smooth wheel covers—just like the ones available on the updated 2025 Rivian R1S and R1T—might help reduce aerodynamic drag, but they’re generally fixed in place, and thus not optimized for all scenarios. In its patent filing, which was submitted to the USA Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in August 2023, but only published by that office Mar. 6, Rivian discusses giving aero wheels movable elements to achieve flexibility.

As described by Rivian within the filing, the wheel cover would come with a series of openings aligning with wheel spokes when the duvet is in a single position, and block them to create a smooth surface in one other. That movement can be actuated by a spring, which might rotate the duvet to different positions.

Along with giving customers the aesthetic selection of covered vs. uncovered wheels without having to remove anything, Rivian suggests within the filing that energetic wheel covers could help evacuate built up air pressure from the wheel wells—further improving aerodynamic performance. Of their open position, the wheel covers could also serve a cooling function, in line with the automaker, much like the energetic grille shutters on many current production cars.

Rivian energetic aero wheel cover patent image

The boxy shapes of SUVs and pickup trucks like Rivian’s electric off-roaders presents a challenge in minimizing drag. That is led other automakers to contemplate some elaborate energetic aerodynamic aids, resembling the deployable rear step with an integrated diffuser for pickup trucks patented by Stellantis.

Hyundai has also tested an energetic air skirt that the automaker believes might be helpful in reducing drag in SUVs, or any electric vehicles with wider wheels. The automaker said in 2024 that tests using a Genesis GV60 from its luxury brand showed a 2.8% reduction within the coefficient of drag, value an estimated 3.7 miles of range. But to this point Hyundai hasn’t discussed production plans.