Rivian is updating the door handle design on its upcoming R2 SUV to improve emergency safety features after concerns were raised by employees and customers about the current configuration. The electric vehicle maker will reposition the manual door release mechanisms to a more visible and accessible location near the electrically powered interior door handles on the rear doors, addressing potential safety risks highlighted in recent industry incidents[1][3][5].
This redesign reflects a broader scrutiny of electronically...
This redesign reflects a broader scrutiny of electronically latched door handles in the automotive sector. While electronic handles enable sleeker aesthetics and improved aerodynamics, they often place manual emergency releases in hard-to-find spots, which can hinder escape in power loss or crash situations. Rivian’s move follows reports of Tesla owners trapped in their vehicles due to difficult-to-access manual releases, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch investigations. Earlier this year, Ford also recalled Mustang Mach-E vehicles because of electronic latch failures associated with battery issues[1][3].
The R2 model, Rivian’s lower-cost SUV planned for release in...
The R2 model, Rivian’s lower-cost SUV planned for release in the first half of 2026 with a starting price of around $45,000, is undergoing extensive real-world testing, including towing trials, as the company prepares for its launch. The door handle updates are part of Rivian’s commitment to address safety concerns proactively to prevent incidents where occupants might be trapped inside vehicles during emergencies[1][2][3][5].
Industry experts note that electronic door handle designs re...
Industry experts note that electronic door handle designs require careful integration of manual overrides that are intuitive and easily accessible in emergencies. Rivian’s decision to relocate and make the manual releases more visible near the electronic handles aims to enhance occupant safety and align with evolving regulatory and consumer expectations[1][3][5].
This update comes amid growing attention on vehicle door saf...
This update comes amid growing attention on vehicle door safety worldwide, with regulators in the U.S. and China focusing on ensuring that electronic door latches do not compromise emergency egress. As Rivian moves closer to delivering the R2 SUV, these refinements underscore the importance of balancing innovative design with critical safety functions in electric vehicles[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 7:00:32 PM
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not opened a formal investigation into Rivian's R2 SUV door handles specifically, but the agency is closely monitoring electronic door handle safety following complaints and probes into similar issues with other automakers, such as Tesla. In response to rising regulatory scrutiny, Rivian is proactively redesigning the R2’s door handles to include a more visible manual release located near the electrically powered interior handles, aiming to enhance emergency egress and avoid situations where occupants could be trapped, a move aligned with recent safety concerns raised by employees and customers[1][3]. This redesign comes amid growing government attention to electronically-latched door mechanisms after NHTSA received nine complaints about Tesla’s door handle failures, wit
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 7:10:20 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Rivian's update of the R2 SUV door handles has been cautiously positive, with many praising the improved visibility and accessibility of the manual release for emergency situations. Customers and employees previously raised safety concerns about the R1 model’s difficult-to-locate rear manual releases, seen as hazardous in power outage scenarios, and the new design reportedly addresses these by placing the manual release near the electric handle, making it more intuitive and compliant with safety standards[1][2][4]. Industry watchers note that this move strengthens consumer trust amid growing scrutiny of electronic door handle reliability across EV manufacturers, aligning Rivian with broader safety trends and potentially reducing reputational risks[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 7:20:23 PM
Rivian's redesign of the R2 SUV door handles to enhance emergency manual release accessibility represents a strategic response to rising safety concerns that have also challenged industry leaders like Tesla and Ford, amid federal investigations into electronic latch failures. This update not only aligns Rivian with evolving safety regulations but also leverages a 45% production cost reduction partnership with Volkswagen, trimming approximately $53,000 in manufacturing costs per vehicle and strengthening its competitive position in the mass-market EV sector. By prioritizing functional safety over aesthetics, Rivian aims to mitigate reputational risks and maintain consumer trust in a market where safety recalls can severely impact margins and brand confidence[1][2][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 7:30:28 PM
Rivian's redesign of the R2 SUV door handles to add clearly visible manual releases near electric handles is a strategic response to growing industry-wide safety concerns about electric latch systems, particularly after incidents with Tesla triggered regulatory scrutiny. This update not only enhances emergency egress but also reduces production costs by approximately $53,000 per vehicle through a 45% cost cut enabled by Volkswagen collaboration, helping Rivian position the R2 competitively in the mass-market EV segment with a targeted $45,000 price point and a 34% unit cost reduction. The move strengthens Rivian’s standing amid fierce competition by balancing safety, cost efficiency, and consumer trust while aligning with evolving EV safety standards[2][4][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 7:40:33 PM
Rivian's update to the R2 SUV door handles, enhancing emergency manual release visibility and accessibility, marks a significant global safety improvement amid rising international concerns over electric door latch failures. This redesign aligns Rivian with evolving safety standards, proactively addressing risks highlighted by incidents worldwide where electronic latch malfunctions trapped passengers, and follows regulatory scrutiny faced by Tesla and Ford. The move strengthens consumer trust globally by demonstrating Rivian’s commitment to operational safety and regulatory compliance ahead of the R2's 2026 release, potentially influencing international EV safety benchmarks[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 7:50:40 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Rivian's updated R2 SUV door handles has been cautiously optimistic, with many welcoming the improved emergency accessibility after safety concerns were raised about previous designs. Customers and employees, who had criticized the R1's rear manual release as unintuitive and hard to locate, have expressed relief that the new manual release will be clearly visible near the electric handles, addressing risks of being trapped during power failures or crashes[1][2][4]. Industry observers note this move aligns with broader EV safety trends following incidents involving Tesla and Ford, enhancing consumer trust amid an intensely competitive market[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 8:00:51 PM
Rivian’s redesign of the R2 SUV door handles comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny following U.S. auto safety investigations into similar electronic latch failures, notably involving Tesla. The updated manual release will be placed in a clearly visible, accessible location near the electric handle to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and prevent occupants from becoming trapped during power loss, addressing concerns raised by both employees and customers[1][2]. This proactive move signals Rivian’s intent to align with evolving government safety expectations and avoid potential legal or regulatory penalties.
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 8:10:36 PM
Rivian’s redesign of the R2 SUV door handles places the manual release near the electric interior handle to enhance emergency accessibility, directly addressing safety criticisms of the previous R1 model’s hard-to-find unlabeled panel release. Experts highlight this as a proactive move aligned with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and broader industry trends, noting that other automakers like Tesla and Ford face similar scrutiny over electronic door latch reliability. Industry analysts emphasize that Rivian's transparent response not only mitigates operational risks but also strengthens consumer trust in a competitive EV market, with the redesign projected to reduce production costs by approximately $53,000 per vehicle while improving safety[1][2][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 8:20:37 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Rivian’s update of the R2 SUV door handles has been largely positive but marked by calls for simplicity and clarity. Customers and employees raised safety concerns about hard-to-find manual releases in the previous design, prompting Rivian to reposition these releases next to the powered handles for easy access in emergencies, which has been seen as a crucial safety improvement[1][2]. However, some consumers expressed skepticism about the complexity of electronic handles, preferring traditional manual levers for reliability, with comments like “We don’t need to make everything super-complicated” and suggestions to combine electronic and manual mechanisms into one for ease of use[3]. This feedback highlights a mix of appreciation for improved safety and ongoing debate over the best door handle
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 8:31:08 PM
Rivian’s update to the R2 SUV’s door handles to enhance emergency safety features marks a strategic response to growing industry-wide scrutiny of electronic door systems, positioning Rivian competitively as a safety-conscious innovator ahead of its 2026 R2 launch priced from $45,000[4]. This move follows regulatory probes into Tesla’s door handle failures—NHTSA received nine complaints, including cases where windows had to be broken for escape—prompting automakers like Tesla and Ford to reconsider designs emphasizing functional emergency access over aesthetics[1][4]. By relocating the manual release to a clearly visible spot near the powered handle, Rivian aims to mitigate reputational and legal risks and strengthen consumer trust in a market where safety recalls ca
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 8:40:39 PM
Rivian is redesigning the R2 SUV's door handles to relocate the manual emergency release adjacent to the powered handle, significantly improving visibility and accessibility in emergencies like power loss or crashes. This move addresses previous safety concerns raised about the R1 model, where the manual release was hidden behind an unlabeled panel requiring removal to access a pull cord, posing risks during urgent egress. The updated design aligns with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and industry trends responding to incidents involving trapped passengers in EVs, enhancing occupant safety and reducing operational risks ahead of the R2’s anticipated launch in the first half of 2026[1][2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 8:50:40 PM
Rivian has redesigned the R2 SUV’s door handles to improve emergency safety by relocating the manual release mechanism closer to the electrically powered interior handles for easier visibility and access during power loss or crashes[1][2][3]. This technical update addresses prior concerns where manual releases were hidden behind unlabeled panels or deep inside door pockets, delaying occupant egress in emergencies — a critical flaw highlighted across the EV industry after fatal incidents[2]. The R2, launching in early 2026, will feature clearer labeling, tactile cues, and color contrast on the manual release, reducing cognitive load and ensuring users can quickly operate the fail-safe mechanism by touch even in the dark[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 9:00:45 PM
Rivian’s redesign of the R2 SUV door handles to place the manual emergency release in a more visible, accessible location responds directly to safety concerns highlighted by regulators and industry incidents. This comes amid increased scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which recently opened an investigation into Tesla door handle failures after receiving nine complaints, including cases where passengers had to break windows to escape[2][4]. By ensuring compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Rivian aims to preempt regulatory actions and improve occupant safety ahead of the R2’s planned 2026 release[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 10/3/2025, 9:10:36 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Rivian's update of the R2 SUV door handles has been largely positive, especially praising the company for addressing safety concerns raised by both staff and customers. The redesign, which moves the manual emergency release to a more visible and tactile location near the powered handle, is seen as an important fix after complaints about the previous R1 design buried the release behind unlabeled panels, potentially delaying escape during power loss or crashes[1][2][3]. Some commenters emphasize a preference for simpler manual levers over electronic buttons, reflecting cautious consumer views on technology complexity in critical safety features[3].