Rivian has filed a new patent application aimed at addressing a common but critical winter driving hazard – iced-over headlights. The patent, published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in late December 2024, outlines Rivian’s design for heated headlamp lenses utilizing carbon nanotube (CNT) technology.
With the advancements in LED technology, the limitations of these low-heat headlamps, whether in an electric vehicle (EV) or an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, have become apparent, especially in winter conditions. Unlike traditional halogen bulbs, LEDs are energy-efficient but don’t emit enough heat to prevent snow and ice buildup during frigid weather.
Rivian’s patent offers a potential solution to this problem that could enhance safety and improve performance in cold climates.
According to the patent application, first spotted by Motor Authority, the core of Rivian’s innovation lies in the integration of a CNT layer directly into the headlamp lens. CNTs, composed of cylindrical lattices of carbon atoms, are known for their exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity. The patent details multiple methods for applying CNTs, including a transparent film layer affixed over the headlamp or embedded directly within the lens during manufacturing. In some variations, the CNT layer can be spray-coated to achieve a thickness ranging from nanometers to micrometers.
Activation of the heating element can occur in several ways. A controller could manage the process by either drawing energy from the vehicle’s battery or redirecting current from other systems. Another proposed method involves the use of a silver busbar—a conductive component that channels electricity—placed in direct contact with the CNT layer to evenly distribute heat across the headlamp surface.
The potential applications extend beyond headlights. Rivian says the CNT heating technology could be applied to other parts of the vehicle, such as side mirrors, windows, and even exterior panels susceptible to snow and ice buildup.
As with any patent application, there is no guarantee that the technology will reach production. You can read the full patent application below.
