The Rivian R1T's Gear Tunnel Is Why I'm Excited About EVs

7 min read

We've barely begun to tap into the potential of electric vehicle packaging and design. This Rivian is a prime example of that.

I frequently travel for work and often drive various vehicles, which leads to a particular challenge for me: finding space for my suitcases in a pickup truck. Specifically, I'm unsure whether to place them in the truck bed. If I do, what happens when I hit a bump or need to make a sudden turn? Will they remain secure in the bed while the vehicle is stationary? Alternatively, I can fit them inside the cabin, but that might damage the upholstery and reduce passenger seating space, neither of which is ideal.

This technology truly raises the bar, and it embodies the very essence of why I'm so enthusiastic about the electric vehicle revolution.

I drove a Dual-Motor Performance truck with the Max Battery over the holidays, and I can honestly say I've never driven a truck better at hauling different types of gear than that. It's because of the R1T's signature Gear Tunnel feature that comes standard on every Rivian truck.

Photo by: Patrick George

2025 Rivian R1T Gear Tunnel

The Gear Tunnel has undergone several upgrades, including improved software, a new electrical architecture, and a reduced number of components, since its introduction in 2021, when the R1T was launched. However, this was my first hands-on experience with the feature, and I believe it showcases the potential of innovative packaging in the electric vehicle era.

Here's how it works. The R1T combines a body-on-frame construction (think of a conventional truck, like a Ford F-150 or a Chevrolet Silverado) and unibody qualities (a more car-like method of making vehicles, like the Honda Ridgeline). As an electric vehicle, the R1T does not have an engine in the front or a driveshaft tunnel running through the body to transmit power to the wheels. This allowed designers to add a hollow cargo space right behind the cabin that's discreetly integrated into the truck bed itself.

Photo by: Patrick George

The 2025 Rivian R1T Gear Tunnel

The space within the tunnel measures 65 inches in length, 18.1 inches in width, and 20.3 inches in height. Although it's lengthy but narrow, it provides a total of 11.7 cubic feet of additional storage space. This was sufficient to accommodate two medium-sized, non-carry-on suitcases, as well as other items such as coats, plus our dog's belongings – he's a pomeranian, and surprisingly, he doesn't travel lightly.

The tunnel can be opened using the buttons on the bed rail, the Rivian smartphone app, or the central infotainment screen. Each tunnel door can be opened individually. The doors can support a maximum weight of 250 pounds (114 kilograms) each, making them ideal for taking a break, such as when camping. The doors also feature built-in storage compartments.

Photo by: Patrick George

The 2025 Rivian R1T Gear Tunnel

I'd argue that the most beneficial aspect of this feature is the inclusion of 12-volt and 110-volt outlets within the tunnel. This allows you to charge valuable electronic items, such as laptops or cameras, while they are safely stored out of sight. This is a clever utilization of the electric vehicle as a portable energy storage unit, a functionality that many trucks are incorporating as they strive to offer increased capabilities.

They're calling it Camp Kitchen," they said. "You can use it anywhere, with or without a Rivian. We designed it with the best attributes of Camp Kitchen in mind, making it useful and accessible to everyone, not just R1T owners.

Photo by: Patrick George

2025 Rivian R1T Gear Tunnel

Rivian stated it's enthusiastic about this: "We’re looking into ways to formally engage the aftermarket community, but for now, we provide a broad assortment of accessories on the Gear Shop that have been thoroughly researched and tested to ensure safe use with our vehicles," the spokesperson mentioned.

This feature is particularly useful, especially considering the truck already comes equipped with a spacious front trunk. I believe it's a key factor in why EV interior design will be crucial in the future.

For over a century, automotive design has been guided by a fundamental principle: the engine and transmission must be housed somewhere. This has generally resulted in car designs where the engine is located at the front, with the notable exceptions of mid-engined sports cars like the Porsche 911 or Alpine A110, and some vans that have placed their engines centrally. The design of modern electric vehicles is also shaped by these regulations, which were established with traditional engine placement in mind.

Regardless of how you design an engine or transmission, you inevitably sacrifice space that could be used for other purposes, such as seating or storage. Since electric vehicles only need to accommodate their floor-mounted batteries, electric motors, and essential components, they can be configured and packaged in innovative ways. We have only seen a few examples of this in practice so far, with EV frunks being a notable example. However, there are promising concepts that aim to take this idea further.

Photo by: Lexus

Lexus LF ZC Doors

can also expand interior space.

Photo by: InsideEVs

Canoo Interior

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Right now, the Rivian R1T's Gear Tunnel is one of the most impressive and practical features I've encountered in any modern car or truck. It may not revolutionize car design, but it demonstrates the possibilities when internal combustion components are no longer a space constraint. This concept could lead to a future where car design has no bounds.