Rivian has modified the rear door manual release mechanism for its upcoming R2 SUV. This change follows concerns regarding the accessibility of manual door releases in emergencies, particularly with electronic door handles from various car manufacturers.
In the R1 vehicles, occupants had to remove a door panel to access a “release cord” for the manual latch. The R2 SUV repositions this release cord. It is now located at the front part of the interior handle, mirroring the placement of the front seat manual releases.
However, the rear manual release in the R2 is still concealed behind a plastic piece that requires removal. This makes it less accessible compared to the front door manual releases.
Front doors on the R2 open similarly to R1 models, using an electronic button, with a manual door-release latch integrated into the front of the interior handle.
The R2 SUV is not scheduled for production for several months. Rivian has not yet provided official instructions for accessing this release. Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything provided a visual demonstration of the new mechanism. This change aims to improve access for passengers if the vehicle loses power, which would disable the electronic door release.
Situations requiring manual door releases are infrequent but can occur during crashes. Other manufacturers, including Tesla, have also faced scrutiny over manual door release accessibility. Bloomberg News identified at least 15 fatalities in Tesla crashes where occupants or rescuers reportedly could not open doors. Tesla has indicated it will modify its handle designs. Electronic door latches can also experience other issues, as evidenced by Ford’s recall last year for a power-delivery problem with electronic door latches on the Mustang Mach-E.
