11 months ago
Rivian Redesigns EV Doors for Enhanced Safety
Rivian, a car company, is changing the way its car doors work.
Some people were worried that it was hard to open the doors if the car lost power, like in a crash.
Now, they're making it easier to open the doors from the inside in an emergency.
The new design, in the R2 SUV, will have a manual door release that's easier to find and use.
This change is in response to concerns about the existing design where the manual release was not easily accessible.
The goal is to make sure people can get out of the car safely, no matter what happens.
The company says safety is their top priority.
Rivian is redesigning its vehicle doors due to safety concerns.
The new design will include a more accessible manual release.
The changes are planned for the R2 SUV, with deliveries starting in 2026.
Consumer complaints highlighted issues with current manual release accessibility.
The change addresses concerns about exiting the vehicle in emergencies.
- Who
- Rivian, consumers, and auto safety regulators
- What
- Rivian is redesigning its EV doors to address safety concerns after complaints about accessibility of the manual release.
- Where
- The changes will affect the R2 SUV and potentially the current R1 models.
- When
- R2 deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026.
- Why
- To address safety concerns about accessing manual door releases in emergencies and to comply with safety standards.
Key facts
- Company
- Rivian Automotive Inc.
- Vehicle
- R2 SUV
- Issue
- Potential safety issues with door design
- Redesign Target
- Rear doors
- Manual Release
- More visible and accessible
- Planned Delivery
- First half of 2026
- Share Price
- Little changed as of Friday
Quotes
Rivian
Rivian, in a statement to Bloomberg
“Safety is at the center of everything we do at Rivian, and R2 is no different.”
livemint.com
“Similar to R1, R2 will meet or exceed all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including passenger egress from all doors in the event of a crash or emergency.”
livemint.com
Michael Brooks
Executive director for the Center for Auto Safety
“The lack of federal safety regulations in this area means manufacturers aren’t required to standardize vehicle emergency exit functions, leaving the burden on consumers to study the various emergency escape configurations for every car they travel in.”
livemint.com
“The cost to occupants who are unaware of a vehicle’s manual door controls can be tragic.”
livemint.com
A consumer
The consumer filed an anonymous complaint about Rivian’s R1 handles with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
“is not intuitive nor is it reasonable to believe a small child or an older occupant”
livemint.com
R.J. Scaringe
Rivian’s chief executive officer
“Ultimately the vehicle achieves the same level of safety, which is it’s the safest SUV and safest truck you can buy today”
livemint.com
