Following criticism and industry scrutiny, Rivian will reposition the manual emergency releases in its upcoming R2 SUV to make them more accessible and visible.
Rethinking Form and Function
Rivian is making a key design change to its upcoming R2 SUV, shifting the placement of its manual emergency door releases after employees and customers flagged safety issues, according to a report by Bloomberg News.
The adjustment will ensure that these manual overrides—used when the car’s electronic latches fail—are in a “more clearly visible” location, positioned closer to the powered handles.
A Growing Problem with Sleek Design
Like many modern automakers, Rivian initially embraced electronically latched door handles to achieve a sleek, aerodynamic profile. But this trend has been increasingly scrutinized for introducing practical and safety tradeoffs—especially when power fails and users struggle to locate hidden manual releases.
On the R2, the original manual release design was reportedly tucked away, making it difficult to locate in an emergency.
Rivian’s decision comes in response not only to customer and employee feedback, but also in the context of wider industry concern over similar design flaws.
Industry-Wide Scrutiny and Recalls
The change follows multiple high-profile incidents involving electronic door latches:
- Tesla: Under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after reports of passengers being trapped in vehicles due to inaccessible emergency releases. Tesla has since said it will redesign its door handle system.
- Ford: Issued a recall for the Mustang Mach-E earlier this year after discovering its electronic latches could remain locked if the vehicle’s 12-volt battery failed. Sales were paused until the issue was addressed.
These cases have brought manual accessibility and emergency egress to the forefront of vehicle safety discussions—especially as electrification and automation become the norm.
The Stakes for Rivian and the R2
Set to debut in 2026, the R2 SUV is Rivian’s next-generation, more affordable model, aimed at expanding its customer base. With the redesign, the company appears to be taking a proactive approach, avoiding potential safety and regulatory issues before the vehicle hits the market.
This also signals a maturing product development process at Rivian, one that balances innovation with practical safety.
