Could Rivian Be the Reason Cybertruck Range Extender Is Delayed?

Tesla recently delivered the first Cybertrucks, along with over 20 optional accessories including a “Range Extender” battery pack that adds up to 130 miles of range. However, Tesla has not provided details on availability or pricing for the range extender. 

This has led to speculation that the release may be delayed due to a potential conflict with a patent held by Rivian. In 2018, Rivian filed and was granted in 2020 a patent for an “Electric Vehicle With Modular Removable Auxiliary Battery With Integrated Cooling.”

source: Google Patents

The patent description states: “An electric vehicle system for transporting human passengers or cargo includes an electric vehicle that includes a body, a plurality of wheels, a cargo area, an electric motor for propelling the electric vehicle, and a primary battery for providing electrical power to the electric motor for propelling the electric vehicle. An auxiliary battery module is attachable to the electric vehicle for providing electrical power to the electric motor via a first electrical connector at the auxiliary battery module and a second electrical connector at the electric vehicle that mates with the first electrical connector. The auxiliary battery module can be positioned in the cargo area while supplying power to the electric motor, and can be removable and reattachable from the electric vehicle. The auxiliary battery module includes an integrated cooling system for cooling itself during operation of the electric vehicle including a conduit therein for circulating coolant.”

Our Thoughts

I am not a patent attorney, so analyzing the legal implications requires speculation. Tesla may be considering three options:

  1. Making the range extender non-removable to avoid conflicting with Rivian’s patent on removability. 
  2. Licensing Rivian’s patent through some fee arrangement.
  3. Challenging the validity of Rivian’s patent if they believe it constitutes “patent squatting” without having a product on market.

The coming months may see developments between the two companies on this front. I will provide updates if more information becomes available.

More Articles for You

Icons Of Japanese Motorsport To Star In Rolex Reunion At Laguna Seca In 2026

On the heels of a successful 2025 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca has announced that it will …

BMW Lifts The Curtain On The Next-Gen iX3 At Munich Show

At the IAA motor show in Munich this week, BMW presented the first series-produced Neue Klasse model—the all-new BMW iX3. …

Volvo Starts Production Of New Electric ES90

Volvo Cars has started production of its new, fully electric Volvo ES90 for European markets, marking a significant milestone in …

American Star Racer Colton Herta Named As Cadillac F1’s Test Driver

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team announced that nine-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner Colton Herta will serve as a test …

Hyundai Reveals Teaser Image Ahead Of German Auto Show

Just one week to go until the Munich Auto Show (IAA for short) and Hyundai Motor Company has released the …

Tesla Sales Continue To Fall Due To Increased Competition, Musk’s Stance And Tax Credit Abolition

In recent months, Tesla’s sales have faltered across major global markets. In the United States, Q2 2025 deliveries dropped by …