Rivian is reworking its vehicle door handles as safety concerns around electric latch systems gain traction across the auto industry. The company’s next-generation R2 SUV, slated for release in 2026, will feature a redesigned emergency release that is easier to locate and use.
Why Rivian Is Making the Change
The decision follows criticism of Rivian’s 2024 redesign of the R1 lineup, which relocated the rear manual release to a difficult-to-reach position hidden behind an unlabeled panel. Owners were required to remove the cover and pull a release cord—an unintuitive process that safety advocates warned could trap passengers, particularly children or older occupants, in the event of a power loss or crash.
By repositioning the emergency release to a more accessible location, Rivian aims to simplify passenger egress and ease consumer concerns. The automaker emphasized that “safety is at the center of everything we do at Rivian, and R2 is no different,” adding that the new vehicles will continue to meet or exceed all federal safety standards. (via Bloomberg)
Rivian did not confirm whether this design change will also make its way into the R1T and R1S.
The Bigger Picture: EV Handles Under Scrutiny
Concerns about electrically actuated door handles extend well beyond Rivian. Tesla has faced similar criticism in recent months, with incidents reported to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) where occupants were unable to exit vehicles during emergencies. The agency subsequently launched a probe into Tesla’s door handle designs after complaints that the manual releases were difficult to find or operate.
Tesla has acknowledged the problem and is working on its own redesign. Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen revealed last month that the company is developing a more intuitive system that better integrates manual and electronic releases.
In China, new draft safety standard are also being proposed that would require all car doors to include mechanical release mechanisms accessible both inside and outside the vehicle.
