Rivian Plans Redesigned R2 SUV Doors Following Tesla Safety Concerns

Rivian is redesigning the door handles on its upcoming R2 SUV to address safety concerns raised by employees and customers about the difficulty of finding and using manual emergency door releases, especially in power failure situations. The new design will place manual releases in a more visible and accessible location near the electronic door handles, contrasting with the current R1 models where manual releases are hidden behind unlabeled panels, making emergency exit challenging. This redesign follows similar scrutiny faced by Tesla for its hard-to-use door handles, which has led to federal investigations and recalls in the EV industry. Rivian emphasizes that the R2 will meet or exceed all U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, reflecting a broader industry push for safer electric vehicle designs. The changes are expected to come with the R2's launch in the first half of 2026, although it is unclear whether existing Rivian models will receive retroactive updates. This move underscores increasing regulatory and consumer demand for improved safety features in electric vehicles to prevent passengers from being trapped during emergencies.