Rivian said its upcoming R2 SUV, due in 2026, will feature a redesigned emergency door release system following concerns that its current approach could make passenger exits more difficult during emergencies.
The decision comes after safety advocates criticized the 2024 redesign of Rivian’s R1 lineup, where the rear manual release was relocated behind an unlabeled panel, requiring passengers to remove a cover and pull a cord. Critics said the placement risked trapping occupants, particularly children or older passengers, if a crash or power failure occurred.
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The company said it has repositioned the release to make it more intuitive and accessible. “Safety is at the center of everything we do at Rivian, and R2 is no different,” Rivian said in a statement reported by Bloomberg. The automaker did not confirm whether similar changes would be rolled out to its R1T pickup and R1S SUV.
Electrically actuated door handles have drawn increasing scrutiny across the auto industry. Tesla has faced complaints lodged with U.S. regulators over the accessibility of its manual releases, prompting an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Tesla has since said it is working on a new system that better integrates mechanical and electronic mechanisms. In China, regulators have proposed draft rules mandating mechanical release mechanisms inside and outside car doors.
Photo Gallery: Rivian R2