Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is making significant changes to the interior door handles of its upcoming R2 model. This decision comes in response to safety concerns and ongoing federal investigations surrounding electronic door handles and hard-to-locate manual releases, which have been linked to fatal crashes in the automotive industry.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Rivian is planning to redesign the interior door handles of the R2 model, a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y. The new design will feature a manual door release that is clearly visible and located in close proximity to the electronic door handles. This change aims to address the issues faced by owners of the current R1 models, who have reported instances of door handles failing to unlock or lock properly.
The current door handle design on Rivian vehicles, like Tesla’s, is complex and futuristic, with flush-fitting exterior handles that require passengers to tap a key to unlock the door. However, the manual release mechanism is often hard to locate, especially for rear passengers who have to navigate through multiple steps to open the door manually.
Owners of Rivian vehicles have raised concerns about the reliability of the door handles, with some resorting to unconventional methods to unlock their doors. These issues have prompted the automaker to reconsider the design and prioritize safety in the upcoming R2 model.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating crashes involving Tesla vehicles with similar door handle failures. Tesla has acknowledged the need for a redesign to make it easier for occupants to operate the door handles in emergency situations. The safety concerns surrounding door handles are not limited to the US, as regulators in China are also looking to ban self-retracting electronic door handles following a fatal crash.
The Rivian R2 is set to be a crucial launch for the company, and addressing the door handle issues would be a positive step towards ensuring the safety and functionality of their vehicles. The redesigned interior door handles in the R2 model could set a new standard for simplicity and ease of use in electric vehicles.
In conclusion, Rivian’s decision to redesign the interior door handles of the R2 model reflects a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. By addressing the concerns raised by owners and regulators, Rivian is taking proactive steps to improve the overall experience of their electric vehicles.