Rivian pushes innovation with a new patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This new patent aims to solve a modern problem with model headlights: accumulation of snow, ice, or moisture that can disrupt illumination with LED headlights.

Current LED headlights are unable to generate enough heat to melt snow, ice, or moisture. Rivian solves this with a layer of carbon nanotube material added to the headlight outer lens to disperse heat. It is not clear how safety regulators will react to integrated heating elements, but shows Rivian's willingness to revisit lighting regulations.