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Rivian R2 Handle Redesign Aims to Fix Safety Flaws
Rivian is tweaking the R2 SUV before it even hits the road, and honestly, I think it’s a smart move. Bloomberg reports that the company is redesigning the door handles so the manual release will be easier to see and right next to the main handle. The R2 is still set to launch in the first half of 2026.
If you’ve followed the drama around EV door handles, you know this is a big deal. NHTSA has been probing Tesla’s recessed handles after reports that people couldn’t get out in emergencies. Rivian hasn’t been immune either, the R1’s rear door release drew complaints last year for being buried behind an unlabeled panel and a hidden cord.
I’m glad Rivian seems to be listening and adjusting here. Cool design is one thing, but in a crash or power loss, people just need to get out quickly. With the R2, Rivian has a chance to show they can balance style, cost, and safety in a way that makes sense for real-world use.
I don’t see any benefit of using a button instead of a lever to open the door. Like literally zero. Why is it becoming a thing? What am I missing?
100% agree. Design engineers did a great job with this car, but I think they lost a little bit of perspective on some detail details. Electronically controlled vents do nothing to save cost, or enhance form and/or function. Too a lesser extent, if you make a minor adjustment to the seat on a long drive, the screen inquires where do you want to save the setting. I would agree that the seat should automatically default to the last setting. But on a long drive, people typically make some adjustments to the seat. I get it though, well intendant engineers, and they just lost some perspective as they tried to automate every item.
Accessibility, NHTSA is already looking at the competition as is China.
The biggest benefit from an engineering standpoint is not having to design a locking/unlock mechanism. If the latch will only open when the computer tells It to, is far harder to break Into. Not worth the glaring safety issue in an emergency in my opinion, but engineers don’t think about that far ahead
Better yet, make the electronic and manual door opening one and the same thing. Have a light press engage the electronic release, and a deeper press engage the manual release. Or some such. Shouldn’t be hard, honestly.
Unless the electronic system can open my door for me, carry in my groceries, and walk the dog, I’d rather just have a manual handle. We don’t need to make everything super-complicated. 🤷
Why not just use manual levers instead of power buttons? While innovation is always welcome, there seems to be no need to reinvent the opening of doors. Fewer wires in the harness and fewer failure points. Keep it simple, Rivian.
If manual releases are required anyway, why waste money developing an electronic release? The Gen 1 R1 had manual releases but they switched to electronic releases for Gen 2 (with a manual release inches away). Why?!?
In lieu of the electronic lever, I would like soft close instead. Who’s with me?
I need every car to have electronic door open button.